The Science of Success

In this episode we discuss the 8 step process for overcoming anxiety and conquering your fears, how to stop a panic attack in real time, how you can tap into your subconscious mind and reprogram it, how to get deeper sleep, the power of hypnosis, and much more with Justin Stenstrom.     Justin is a nationally acclaimed life coach, author, entrepreneur, and speaker. He is the founder of EliteManMagazine.com, the host of the Elite Man Podcast. Justin’s work has been featured in the Huffington Post, Lifehacker, Maxim, and several other publications.     We discuss:How Justin overcame major depression, anxiety, and panic attacks to achieve his dreamsHow Justin went from 3-4 panic attacks per week, suicidal thoughts, to living a healthy and happy lifeWhy Justin views his struggle with depression and anxiety was a blessing in disguiseJustin’s 8 step process to overcome anxiety and conquer your fears: #1 - Realize that you’re not going crazy and there are a lot of solutions #2 - Do a combination of meditation, yoga, hypnosis #3 - Live in the present, future focus builds up a lot of anxiety, living in the past creates depression #4 Exercise 4-5x per week, backed by substantial research #5 Improve your sleep #6 Improve your diet #7 Take the right supplements #8 Use the 3 step technique to crush panic attacks The incredible 3 step process for dealing with a panic attack right nowHow hypnosis can be an incredibly powerful intervention for dealing with anxiety and how you can hypnotize yourselfWhy hypnosis is so powerful, because it speaks directly to your subconscious mindHow to tap into your subconscious mind and reprogram itThe “trance” state between sleep and wakingPractical tips for cultivating a healthy and deep sleep environmentHow to condition your mind for deeper sleepWhy Cell phones and TV before bed are one of the worst things you can doHow to stop yourself from hitting the snooze buttonThe ideal temperature to sleepWhy having a midnight snack might be really good for youShould you wake up in the middle of the night and work?Dietary interventions to deal with depression“This is how you ride a roller coaster”The power of facing your fears head on and exposing them for what they are Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we discuss PRIDE – and why it may not be the deadly sin that it’s often cracked up to be. We dig into how the research defines pride, examine the critical distinction between self esteem and narcissism, the deep importance of being able to accept criticism, and look at the difference between strategies of dominance and strategies of prestige with Dr. Jessica Tracy.      Jessica is a professor of psychology at the University of BC where she also directs the Emotion and Self Lab. She is the author of Take Pride: Why The Deadliest Sin Holds the Secret to Human Success. She has published over 80 journal articles, book chapters, edited volumes, and reviews, and her groundbreaking work on pride has been covered by hundreds of media outlets, including ABC’s Good Morning America, NPR’s All Things Considered, the New York Times, the Economist, and Scientific American.How Jessica defines Pride in a way that may shock youHow pride can also be positiveThe two different kinds of pride experiences How one type of pride is linked to tons of positive outcomes (and the other has severe downsides)The critical distinction between self esteem and narcissismThe truth about what narciststs and hubristic people feel deep downWe dig into research studies show about how people with narcissism deal with criticism The critical importance of being able to take criticism Why not being able to take criticism is a huge red flag for hubristic prideWe discuss Paul Eckman’s research on the universality of emotionsThe expansive and visually apparent physical display of Pride and how you can recognize itThe fascinating finding from studying blind olympians and how they demonstrate prideHow pride can be a huge positive motivator to make you want to succeedWe dig into a number of specific research examples from Dr. Tracy’s researchHow your emotions are “adaptive” and what that meansThe adaptive benefits of pride and how it helps you achieve statusThe critical difference between prestige and dominance We discuss whether a strategy of dominance or a strategy of prestige is more effective in creating the results you wantWould you rather be loved or feared? (we answer that)We discuss President Donald Trump and how his strategy of dominance caught many people by surprise and serve as a fascinating real life case study of Dr. Tracy’s researchWe discuss the concept of “self conscious emotions”, what they are, and why they are importantWe discuss some of Dr. Tracy's research about shame Why its better to be guilty than ashamed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we discuss what Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Stephen Hawking all consider the single greatest threat to humanity, why “death” is not binary event that makes you transition from being alive or dead at a specific moment in time, we ask if you would spend $1000 on a chance to live forever, we look at the biology behind cryogenics, vitfrication, and putting your body on biological pause, and we explore why poverty, climate change, war, and all our problems melt away in the face of one massively important issue with our guest Tim Urban.      Tim Urban is the creator of Wait But Why and has become one of the most popular writers on the internet with fans such as Maria Popova, Sam Harris, and Elon Musk.     His content has become so popular that according to Fast Company he has “captured a level of reader engagement that even the new-media giants would be envious of” with an average of over 1.5 million unique readers visiting and engaging on Wait But Why each month.      We discuss:Tim’s story and how he got started with Wait But WhyHow Tim writes about everything from the human condition, to the universe, the future and huge technology trendsHow Tim becomes a mini-expert in tons of different fieldsHow Tim overcomes massive procrastination to achieve his goals The interplay between “The Rational Decision-Maker”, “The Instant Gratification Monkey” and "The Panic Monster”The vital importance of "important but not urgent" activities Tim’s struggle with perfectionismThe importance of creating accountability to overcome procrastination What Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Stephen Hawking all consider the single greatest threat to humanityWhy Artificial Intelligence is the single most defining issue facing humanityAre you smarter than a computer?The difference between “narrow” artificial intelligence, “general” artificial intelligence and artificial “superinteliigence"What happens when artificial intelligence develops the ability to improve itself?Why the AI revolution is inevitable and will take place within the next 20-40 yearsWhy poverty, climate change, war, and all our problems melt away in the face of artificial superinteligence The battle between instant gratification and long term planning - how it relates to procrastination and AIWhy the notion that cryonics is the act of “freezing” “dead people”is fundamentally wrong on several levelsWhy “death” is not binary event that instantly transitions you from being alive or dead at a specific moment in timeThe biology behind cryogenics, vitfrication, and putting your body on biological pauseWould you spend $1000/year for a chance to live forever?“The truth is, involuntary death sucks”The body is just a physical object that can be upgraded and replaced Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we discuss whether time speeds up as we get older, why your life story only makes sense looking in reverse, whether or not brain games actually work, the importance of proactive learning instead of passive learning, why psychology confirms all your worst fears about studying and getting smarter – and much more with a special TWO GUEST interview featuring Dr. Art Markman & Dr. Bob Duke!     Dr. Art Markman is a Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas and Founding Director of the Program in the Human Dimensions of Organizations.     Dr. Bob Duke is a Professor and Head of Music and Human Learning at The University of Texas at Austin, He also directs the psychology of learning program at the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles.      Together they co-host the NPR radio show Two Guys on Your Head and recently co-authored the book Brain Briefs. We discuss:Does time speed up as you get older?Why your brain pays less and less attention to things that don’t change How you underestimate the power of new experiences to have a positive impact on on youBrains are efficient, and efficient is another word of lazyHow Dyson vacuums where created (and what saw mills have to do with it)The importance of learning things that seem like they “don’t matter” right nowThe downside of a linear and close minded path of achievementWhy “everyone they know who is successful knows ALOT about ALOT of things” and you can’t know ahead of time what key information will make you successfulWhy you shouldn’t edit your life story in the forward direction (and what that means)Is your memory doomed to fail?Why one of the worst things you can do for your memory is to worry about your memory!Do brain games actually work?How do you engage the mind a way that develops thinking?The difference between reading and writing and how they impact your brainThe importance of proactive learning instead of passive learningWhat the data says about regret and how to deal with itHow learning is effortful when it actually works, and why without effort, there is very little learningIs it true that we only use 10% of our brains?Your brain is 3% of your body weight, but uses 25% of your daily energy supplyDoes listening to Mozart make you smarter?Why we can’t get something for nothing (and why you should stop looking for “get smart quick schemes”)Why psychology confirms all your worst fears about studying and getting smarterWhy its OK to get stuff wrong, as long as you repair your errorWhy every bit of skilled performance that you see has a deep reservoir of hard work hidden behind it The critical importance of perception and self awareness in growing and improvingWhy you are worst at judging your performance when you are bad (isn’t this one true!)Why “expert performers” are really good at identifying all of their flawsHow to cultivate self awareness of your flaws in a way thats non-threatening to you and your egoMistakes are not the problem, but denying them isHow sleep clears toxins out of your brain, helps you form better memories, learn more, etc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we discuss the Daily Practice that works to develop self-love, how fear is often the signpost for what we most need to do next, lessons from a 550 mile pilgrimage through Spain, how seeking too much knowledge can be counter productive, and much more with our guest Kamal Ravikant. Kamal has worked with some of the best minds in Silicon Valley, hiked to one of the highest point in the Himalayas, mediated with tibetan monks, earned a US army infantry patch, and walked 550 miles across Spain. Kamal is the best selling author of several books including Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It and most recently Rebirth: A Fable of Love, Forgiveness, and Following Your Heart. We discuss: How a 550 mile pilgrimage through Spain transformed Kamal's life and taught him many powerful lessons How everyone who is great goes through some kind of fall before they truly rise and start to shine The Daily Practice that works to develop self love How Kamal leveraged neuroplasticity to pull himself out of a deep depression How Kamal spends 10 mins per day to develop real self love Why you have to work every day consistently to love yourself The BEST piece of advice Kamal has ever received in his life "Life is from the inside out” and how that wisdom transforms everything Why practice means you have to do it frequently Why loving yourself is the opposite of being egotistical and selfish The paradigm shift of life happening to you vs life is happening for you "Rejection is God’s Protection" The difference between “success” vs “success and fulfillment” If something scares you, there is magic on the other side How are fears from within are often a signal where we need to go, what we need to do next You have to take a jump first, and then you sprout wings Why we can’t overcome fear, but we can use it to our advantage Why gaining knowledge doesn't make you better, but applying it does How seeking too much knowledge can be counterproductive How Kamal re-evaluated his definition of success and realized that we are the effort not the outcome Why Kamal decided to write a fictional self-help book and how stories can help you learn The amazing power of forgiveness, and why self forgiveness is so important Why you should ask "If I loved myself, would I do this?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we sit down and discuss everything we’ve learned in the last year of doing The Science of Success, review some of our favorite lessons and episodes, and talk about all the incredible insights we’ve discovered and share some of the biggest common themes that have emerged from a year of interviews with amazing guests ranging from FBI Hostage Negotiators, Game Theory Experts, Neuroscientists, World Class Poker Players, Amazing Entrepreneurs  and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we discuss why you should not follow your passion, the two biggest pitfalls people struggle with trying to build a career they love, the incredible importance of DEEP WORK, why deep work is so valuable and how we can cultivate it, as well as how you can structure your lifestyle to attain autonomy and mastery with Cal Newport.     Cal is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University, He previously earned his Ph.D. from MIT in 2009. Cal has authored several bestselling books including “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” and “Deep Work” both of which have received deep praise from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and many more.      If you’re looking for some guidance as you plan your new year, listen to this episode!      We discuss: Why following your passion is bad adviceThe 2 fundamental flaws of the idea that you should follow your passionThere’s a huge difference between what makes you enjoy a hobby and what makes you enjoy a professionThe core components of having a happy professional lifeIf we don't follow our passions, how do we end up with a job we are passionate about?The simple, but not easy, path to having a passionate careerImportance of building up rare and valuable skills by pursuing an apprecenticeship phaseHow to cultivate skills to attain leverage to get the autonomy and mastery that will make your work meaningfulThe right question you should ask if you are unsatisfied with your jobThe 2 biggest pitfalls people run into trying to find and build a career they are passionate aboutWhy you need career capital and how to cultivate itThere are many many paths you can take that could lead to a passionate careerWe go deep on the concept of DEEP WORKWe discuss why deep work is increasingly both valuable and rareHow you can produce at an elite level while working fewer total hoursHow Deep Work is a meta skill that fuels other skills Attention residue and how it can crush your cognitive abilityWhy Deep work requires zero distraction. A single glance at an inbox or social media account can disrupt an entire deep work sessionThe importance of scheduling deep work far in advance on your calendarWhy everyone is an artist, and how that changes what work you should focus on The danger of focuses on “taxes and paint”Deep work is a SKILL not a HABIT and it gets better with practiceHow to stretch your ability to concreteLifestyle changes you can implement that create the foundation for deep focus and deep workHow to break the cycle of addiction to novel stimuli Why you should schedule all your deep work on your calendar ahead of timeExercises that you can implement right now to train your concentrationWhy Cal recommends that you should embrace boredomYour deep mental addiction to new stimulus and how you can break it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we discuss the incredible power of kindness, show how kindness triggers “the helpers high” and causes dopamine and oxytocin to flow through your brain, look at study data from 136 countries showing science behind why kindness is so powerful, we walk through several concrete examples you can use RIGHT NOW to take action and be kind to someone today, and much more with John Wang.    John Wang has spent the past several years researching the scientifically proven benefits that being kind to others has on our own lives. Making us not only happier, but healthier, and even more attractive! John is also the founder of The One Kindness Challenge which transformed a personal experience into a mission to spread the healing powers of kindness. Through unique accessories called kindness bands, The One Kindness Challenge seeks to remind us to commit at least one act of kindness each day and to help spread the message of kindness wherever we go.  How John’s personal challenge transformed into a missionJohn’s Lessons learned from taking homeless people out to lunch for a yearHow John’s visit to Nepal after the Nepalese earthquake changed his lifeThe evolutionary purpose of Kindness Why people aren’t kind often enoughJohns experience from practicing radical honesty for an entire yearWhat is the one kindness challenge?We walk through the feelings and experiences of a moment of kindnessKindness is triggered by the Vagus NerveHow kindness triggers “the helpers high” and causes dopamine and oxytocin to flow through your brainEven the smallest acts can trigger the same effect as large acts of kindnessConsistency in kindness it he MOST important thing21 day challenge will transform your lifeWhy kindness is more important now than everHow one Uber ride can change your life Its not about the words its about making a connectionHow social media has replaced real connection with fake connectionsHow a single smile could transform someone’s lifeWe dig deep into the science behind kindnessHow study data from 136 countries showcased the incredible power of kindnessWe walk through several concrete examples you can use RIGHT NOW to take action and be kind to someone TODAYJohn shares some incredibly inspiring stories from his own life about sharing and creating kindnessResearch data showing how kindness literally makes you live longer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we discuss the errors people make in their reasoning and how to correct them, we explain a number of statistical principles to help sharpen your thinking and make you a better decision maker, why every $1 spent on a “scared straight” program creates $400 of cost for the criminal justice system, the illusion of objectivity, why you should NOT rely on your intuition and much more with Dr. Richard Nisbett.      Dr. Richard Nisbett is a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan. He has been awarded the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award of the American Psychology Association, the William James Fellow Award for Distinguished Scientific Achievements, and the Donald T. Campbell Award for Distinguished Research in Social Psychology, among others. He is the author of the recent book Mindware, as well as The Geography of Thought, Think Differently, and Intelligence and How To Get It.   The errors people make in their reasoning and how to correct themHow to apply the lessons of statistics to making better decisionsIs your intelligence fixed and unchangeable?How the industrial revolution massively transformed the way people thinkWe discuss the skills, not on an IQ test, that you must have to be able to function effectively in today’s ageWhy job interviews are totally useless and have almost no correlation to job performance How misunderstanding the law of large numbers can lead you to make huge mistakesWhy does the rookie of the year almost always have a worse performance the following year?Understanding regression to the mean and how it creates extremely counterintuitive conclusionsWhy Performance = Skill + Luck Why deterministic thinking can drastically mislead you in finding the root cause of a phenomenaWe explain a number of statistical principles to help sharpen your thinking and make you a better decision makerThe concept of "base rates" and how they can transform how you think about realityWe walk through a number of concrete examples of how misunderstanding statistics can cause people to make terrible decisionsIf you’re like most people, then like most people, you think you’re not like most people (but you are)Why every $1 spent on a “scared straight” program creates $400 of cost in criminal and incarceration costs Why the “head start” program is a massive failure and what we could have done about it How you can use the experimental method to make data driven experiments in your lifeThe illusion of objectivity - Why you should NOT rely on your intuition How we massively distort our perception of reality and why our perceptual apparatus can easily mislead usHow many of the structures we use to understand the world are highly error proneWhy we are amazing at pattern detection but horrible at "covariation detection”Why the traditional rorschach test is bogus and doesn't actually produce any results Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this insightful discussion, Dan Gardner, a New York Times best-selling author and senior fellow at the University of Ottawa, reveals how our intuitive sense of risk often misaligns with reality. He explores the surprising ineffectiveness of many experts in predicting outcomes and highlights the extraordinary abilities of 'superforecasters.' Gardner emphasizes the importance of intellectual humility and critical thinking in navigating uncertainties, offering practical strategies to improve decision-making and reduce real-life risks.