
Mere Mortals Conversations
What is Effective Philosophy? Juan and I simplify hard to grasp concepts into pragmatic takeaways that can be applied to every day life (fitness, goal setting, work, parenting, travel, hobbies, finances, etc.,). We go live every Sunday @ 9am AEST.
Latest episodes

May 4, 2025 • 53min
Meandering Musings On Small Talk | The Transactional Nature Of Conversations
I don't understand Californians!In Episode #482 of 'Musings' Juan & I discuss: the transactional undertone in interactions in Los Angeles (possibly influenced by Hollywood culture), the art of small talk and how it can be improved, Juan's natural inclination towards confrontation and how he navigates small talk in professional settings, appreciating small talk for its own sake and a look ahead to our upcoming travels.Many thanks to The Late Bloomer Actor for the support this week!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:03:02) Experiences in Los Angeles and Minnesota(00:13:12) Conversation for Conversation's Sake(00:17:19) Small Talk in Professional Settings(00:22:20) Personal Preferences and Small Talk(00:28:39) Location and Context in Small Talk(00:29:56) Boostagram Lounge(00:32:29) Handling Conflict and Conversations(00:40:23) Knowing When to Let Go in Conversations(00:44:48) Improving Conversational Skills(00:47:46) Travel Plans and Conversational Preparations(00:51:01) Upcoming Podcast Schedule and Wrap-Up Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Apr 26, 2025 • 31min
Monthly Goals | May 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own methodology. What do you do differently and why?Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:54) Juan's April 2025 Recap(00:03:38) Kyrin's April 2025 Recap(00:07:51) Support Overview(00:12:21) Juan's May 2025 Goals(00:19:37) Kyrin's May 2025 Goals(00:24:01) Fitness(00:29:11) V4V: Time/Talent/Treasure Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Apr 21, 2025 • 52min
We've Been Busy But We're Back | Finding Equanimity Vs Becoming Emotionless
Juan has moved house and I'm getting ready to go travelling.In Episode #481 of 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: the challenges and transitions of moving homes, the importance of maintaining a balanced state of mind amidst life's chaos, the idea of ataraxia (a state of serene calmness and freedom from emotional disturbance) and the balance between feeling emotions and striving for equanimity.We really appreciate any support you wish to provide to the Mere Mortals :)Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:28) Life Updates & Moving Experiences(00:05:16) Exploring Crypto & NFTs(00:09:19) Podcast Consistency/Future Plans(00:13:21) Finding Equanimity(00:20:22) The Concept of Ataraxia(00:27:29) The Role of Forgetting in Life(00:35:49) The Benefits of Equanimity(00:42:11) Challenges and Personal Growth(00:47:17) Concluding Thoughts on Equanimity(00:49:20) Boostagram Lounge Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Mar 29, 2025 • 22min
Monthly Goals | April 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own methodology. What do you do differently and why?Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:12) Juan's March 2025 Recap(00:04:54) Kyrin's March 2025 Recap(00:06:00) Support Overview(00:08:15) Juan's April 2025 Goals(00:10:50) Kyrin's April 2025 Goals(00:16:20) Fitness Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Mar 23, 2025 • 1h 4min
Lost Friends & Old Times | Travel Plans & Reaching Out To Establish Former Connections
Here's the kick in the butt you need to reach out to your old friends.In Episode #480 of 'Musings' Juan & I discuss: the complexities of reaching out to people from the past, sharing personal anecdotes about past friendships, maintaining past relationships versus focusing on present/future priorities, our upcoming trips to Europe and why they will be so different, why it's a bad idea to try to recreate periods from your past and thinking about what you can get out of experiences like this.Huge thanks to Lyceum for supporting the podcast, it is very much appreciated!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:11) Reconnecting With Old Friends(00:07:12) Nostalgia & Changing Friendships(00:16:14) The Value Of Reconnecting(00:27:00) Family Connections & Obligations(00:28:51) Boostagram Lounge(00:32:23) Travel Plans(00:46:01) Reflections On Past Experiences(00:56:00) Balancing Past & Present Connections(01:02:41) V4V: We're Live Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Mar 16, 2025 • 55min
Fear & Flee The Brisbane Cyclone | The Power Of Media
We survived the media onslaught fine but the real world effects linger.In Episode #479 of Musings, Juan and I discuss: the fear & craziness of the recent Cyclone Alfred here in Brisbane, whether it lived up to it's fearsome reputation (it didn't), the panic buying & actual impact on his property, why hyper local media might be the future, why legacy media has to induce excitement/worry but won't actually show the things we're scared of and how we intend to consume information going forward.Huge shoutout to Queen Mother for the boost & our other sat streamers. Your support is greatly appreciated!Timeline:(00:00:00) Introduction and Technical Difficulties(00:04:27) Cyclone Alfred: Media Hype and Personal Preparations(00:09:36) Impact Of The Cyclone: Personal Stories(00:16:02) Community Reactions & Over-Preparation(00:20:49) Perspectives: Global & Past(00:25:46) Boostagram Lounge(00:32:33) Lessons Learned & Future Preparations(00:45:56) Actual Practical Media(00:53:01) Final Thoughts/Summary Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 17min
Working Hard Or Hardly Working | Does A Job Equal Meaning?
Is work being equated to jobs undergoing a separation?In Episode #478 of 'Musings' Juan and I discuss: the fundamental definition from a physics perspective, why my handstand training is more about persistence, how external validation can differ from internal satisfaction, future implications of an age of abundance where hard work may become less necessary due to technological advancements, why I value technique and Juan will teach his child how to grind.Huge thanks to Petar for the support, it means the world to us!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:03) Defining Hard Work(00:03:53) Subjectivity of Hard Work(00:10:34) Hard Work in Everyday Life(00:14:53) Hyrox Event & Observations(00:22:26) Technique vs Hard Work(00:28:37) Effort & Recognition(00:30:44) Boostagram Lounge(00:39:58) Hard Work In Jobs/Society(00:47:03) Recognition Paradox(00:54:02) Future Of Hard Work In An Age Of Abundance(01:02:00) Internal vs External Value(01:16:25) V4V: Time/Talent/Treasure Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Mar 2, 2025 • 47min
Monthly Goals | March 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own methodology. What do you do differently and why?Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:43) Juan's February 2025 Recap(00:10:36) Kyrin's February 2025 Recap(00:14:45) Support Overview(00:21:52) Juan's March 2025 Goals(00:30:08) Kyrin's March 2025 Goals(00:42:09) Fitness(00:46:14) V4V: Time/Talent/Treasure Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Feb 23, 2025 • 1h 6min
Collecting Cards With VeeFriends | The Business Side Of Pokémon
Some special guests (Brodie & Mansheel) are here to do some show and tell!In Episode #477 of Meanderings, we discuss the intricacies of collecting Pokémon cards, the financials of the grading process, factors that influence the value of these collectibles, maintaining excellent card condition (Juan needs to take notes), nostalgia of collecting since children, the thrill of opening VeeFriends packs and the strategies for buying and selling cards.Huge thanks to Cole for supporting this week (and Petar for the maple syrup). Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:21) Pokemon Grading & Card Conditions(00:04:01) Opening VeeFriends & Storing Cards(00:08:20) Valuing & Selling Cards(00:12:24) Grading Process & Market Insights(00:18:22) Market Trends & Investment Strategies(00:24:00) Collecting Motivations & Personal Stories(00:24:12) Boostagram Lounge(00:32:01) Nostalgia & Childhood Collections(00:40:00) Unique Collectibles & Memorabilia(00:48:41) Market Manipulation & Rarity(00:56:29) Future Of Collecting & Market Speculations(01:04:41) V4V: Time/Talent/Treasure Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Feb 16, 2025 • 1h 20min
The Job Market For 2026 | Dawn Of The Autonomous Robots
Will Juan's insanely ambitious predictions come true (likely) and why is he so sure (backed by evidence)?In Episode #476 of Musings, Juan and I discuss: the rapid advancements in AI (drawing from his past experiences in AI sales and chatbot implementations), the slow progress of autonomous Haul Trucks I saw in the mining industry, .Juan's prediction that unemployment rates will more than double by the end of 2026, robotic process automation (RPA) and its potential to replace repetitive tasks traditionally done by humans, the types of drones, vehicles & machines we are likely to start noticing in every day life and why the whole 'job' narrative is stupid anyway.Huge thanks to Cole for the support this week, it is very much appreciated!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:36) Juan's AI Experience & Predictions(00:07:11) Unemployment Predictions For 2026(00:17:08) Impact on White Collar Jobs(00:27:04) Blue Collar Jobs and Automation(00:33:49) Boostagram Lounge(00:41:07) Mining Industry Autonomous Vehicle Adoption(00:46:03) Factory Automation & Job Displacement(00:56:02) Future of Work & AI Integration(01:01:17) Drones & Military Applications(01:10:06) Summary Of Future Economic/Social Implications(01:18:16) V4V: Time/Talent/Treasure Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast
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