
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.,).
Latest episodes

Nov 20, 2023 • 7min
Balancing Running with Life's Realities, Week 11 | Mere Mortals in Motion
Week 11 of my 12-week running phase brought its fair share of challenges. As I reflect on the journey, it's clear the initial goal of increasing time on my feet has been complicated by the realities of life, including an injury that forced me to reconsider my approach. I shifted my focus from hitting a specific kilometer count to a more holistic view of movement, including biking and walking, to maintain my fitness while recovering. This week taught me the importance of listening to my body and the need to balance ambition with practical recovery, highlighting that sometimes, stepping back is just as valuable as pushing forward. Stay tuned for the final week and the retrospective analysis that will follow!0:00 - Intro0:35 - Overview1:31 - Week 113:05 - SummaryFollow the details over on the website as well!https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/meremortaltraininghttps://www.meremortalspodcast.com/runningphaseConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Nov 17, 2023 • 1h 17min
What Do People Really Desire? | Encouraging Behaviour That You Want In Others
We want to do more than thank our supporters, but how do we do that?In Episode #421 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: economic and behavioural incentives, why I think most of macro economics is bullshit, accidently encouraging the wrong behaviour, why we want Mere Mortalites to feel good and about listening/contributing back and spitballing ideas on how we can make this happen. Massive thanks to Petar, McIntosh, Amorphous Continuum, Oscar Merry, Liam F & Sarah Jade. We're cooking up ways to give even more back to you.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:36) - Juan's new place(1:50) - Today's topic(4:52) - Missing the trees for the trees(7:18) - Humans can't be predicted(13:36) - Behavioural(22:06) - Chaos theory & Squid Game(27:14) - Training a baby(31:37) - Boostagram Lounge(39:41) - What we want(55:25) - How to encourage it(1:02:40) - Experimenting with iffy tests(1:08:45) - Summary(1:13:01) - V4V: Send in a boostValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Nov 13, 2023 • 9min
Overcoming Injuries & Adjustments, Week 10 | Mere Mortals in Motion
In the 10th week of my 12-week running phase, I delve into my evolving objectives and how I've had to pivot along the way. I faced several challenges this week, from veering off my initial plan to managing an unexpected injury. Despite these setbacks, I clocked 18.94 kilometers and took the time to analyze the reasons behind it. I talk about specific runs and the strategies I used to avoid exacerbating my injuries. As always, I'm eager to hear your feedback and appreciate all the support for our podcast.0:00 - Intro0:18 - Overall Running Phase Goal1:10 - Summary1:51 - Weekly Details5:54 - LearningsFollow the details over on the website as well!https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/meremortaltraininghttps://www.meremortalspodcast.com/runningphaseConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Nov 10, 2023 • 1h 3min
What Comes Next? | Facing Obstacles Life Throws Our Way
It's been a rough couple of months so how are we dealing with the challenges in our lives?In Episode #420 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: why you need to approach life like an ibex, Juan's main problem of trying to get off the hamster wheel, Ryan Holiday's theory of choice, why you are paradoxically not special at all but also super special and what we do to prepare ourselves for hard times. Massive thanks to Dave Jones, Shutosha, Balderdash Boys, BTCessex, Oysteinberge, Sircussmedia, Cole McCormick, The Tone Wrecker, Juan, Petar & Borsen Gelaber for the support! Really picking up some steam and it's all thanks to you!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:42) - Head on: dam analogies(5:32) - Gratitude with a smirk(11:23) - The serenity prayer(14:58) - Enough vs continuous improvement(23:29) - Work/Family/Scene .... & Death(30:41) - Boostagram Lounge(39:06) - Everyone faces obstacles(47:42) - How to prepare(54:58) - Summary(1:00:40) - V4V: Suffer with us!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Nov 8, 2023 • 31min
Monthly Goals | November 2023
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:(0:00) - Intro(0:48) - Juan's October 2023(2:43) - Kyrin's October 2023(5:39) - Monthly Support(9:26) - Juan's November 2023(18:25) - Kyrin's November 2023(24:36) - Fitness(28:47) - V4V: IncentivesConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Nov 6, 2023 • 9min
Bad News & Good News | An Update From Kyrin
Just a short update episode here detailing why we'll be going back to just one episode a week for the foreseeable future. And a reminder to spend time with your loved ones. All the best, Kyrin out.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:49) - Bad news(2:02) - Schedule changes(3:42) - Good news(6:53) - My final reminderFirst to use this link can claim 2000 sats:https://lightsats.com/tips/clo6iyhiq057qqx7uenoc799i/claimValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Nov 4, 2023 • 9min
Shifting Plans & Overcoming Challenges, Week 9 | Mere Mortals in Motion
In week nine of my 12-week running phase, I reflect on how my planned runs sometimes deviate from the original plan. Instead of hitting those lofty 38 to 40km weeks, I'm at a more realistic 23km week. Treadmills have become a great ally in my journey, especially when outdoor runs aren't feasible. As I navigate this phase, I recognize the importance of being flexible with the plan, especially given life's unpredictable nature. I also share some insights into my shoe choices and invite fellow Mere Mortalites to weigh in on long-term running targets. This week has been a testament to the reality of setting ambitious goals while balancing daily life challenges.0:00 - Intro1:18 - Weekly Details4:55 - SummaryFollow the details over on the website as well!https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/meremortaltraininghttps://www.meremortalspodcast.com/runningphaseConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Nov 3, 2023 • 1h 7min
Does It Really Matter If You Cheat A Little? | Staying True To Your Word & Principles
No-one will ever know so it should be ok ..... right?In Episode #419 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: how integrity is different from goal setting, why those hidden actions beneath the surface matter (sometimes lol), the reason you can only have integrity in specific domains and the way it presents itself in specific actions in our lives. Massive thanks to Beglitched, Joe Martin Music, Juan Sebastian, Dave Jones, Sir Wes, Tumbleweed, Kieran Nolan, McIntosh, Bug Eyed Stormtrooper, Anonymous, Ace Ackerman, Steve Webb & Börsen Gelaber for the support! Another huge week, thank you so much <3Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:40) - Why this topic?(4:29) - Goal setting(11:10) - Severity & priority(17:50) - What gets noticed?(24:51) - Boostagram Lounge(38:28) - Testing boundaries(47:30) - VUCA: Volatility, uncertainty, complexity & ambiguity(50:45) - Integrity in our everyday life(54:33) - Summary(1:02:56) - Extras(1:04:24) - V4V: Show your integrity!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Oct 30, 2023 • 2h 3min
ALEXANDER WATANABE | Interactive Art, Blockchain Archivality & Leaving The Cardano Bubble
What if you could interact with art through a completely new medium?In Conversation #97, Alex and I discuss: why going to the gym is like levelling up in a game, how he plans to create onchain code using Ethereum that will be durable, how art can be manipulated & destroyed, the folly of arguing on the internet and why he's fallen out of love with Cardano. Have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world & don't forget to boost!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:18) - Alex wants to get strong(5:27) - Everyone is a gamer(13:35) - Using a blockchain for art archivality(20:22) - Executable code that run onchain(26:47) - Audience interaction with the art/medium(33:10) - How not_v2 will be interactive(41:30) - Picking what you want(49:39) - Grimes AI voice(52:59) - AI artists are the coders (not the prompters)(1:00:14) - Swimming is all the same sport(1:03:15) - Literature is the purest art form(1:10:59) - Shirtless book reviews & Natural Hypertrophy(1:12:48) - Moving Unsigs to Ethereum(1:20:32) - Cropping paintings & forgeries(1:25:51) - Arguing on Twitter is dumb(1:31:17) - Personification on the internet(1:36:12) - Real world gets you out of a bubble(1:41:33) - Problems: We're not limited by the tech(1:51:13) - Cardano is a small uncreative fish(1:57:25) - Life in Portugal(2:02:13) - Where to argue with AlexAlex's Links:Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/monad_alexanderUnsigs: https://www.unsigs.com/Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Oct 28, 2023 • 8min
Running Phase Challenges & Insights, Week 8 | Mere Mortals in Motion
In this recap of week 8 of my 12-week running phase, I delve into the highs and lows of the journey so far. From the exhilaration of running with friends outdoors to the routine of treadmill runs, I explore the multifaceted world of running. Balancing 20 kilometers in a week with other physical activities proved to be a unique challenge, prompting reflections on how to align my diverse fitness goals. Join me as I navigate through this intricate tapestry of fitness, growth, and personal insights, and share my takeaways for fellow runners and enthusiasts.0:00 - Intro1:14 - Overview4:50 - LearningsFollow the details over on the website as well!https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/meremortaltraininghttps://www.meremortalspodcast.com/runningphaseConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show