The Tim Ferriss Show Tim Ferriss

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #124 "Jamie Foxx on Workout Routines, Success Habits, and Untold Hollywood Stories" and #514 "Jacqueline Novogratz on Building Acumen, How to (Actually) Change the World, Speaking Your Truth, and the Incredible Power of 'Dumb' Questions"

Please enjoy!

Sponsors:

ExpressVPN high-speed, secure, and anonymous VPN service: https://www.expressvpn.com/tim (Get 3 extra months free with a 12-month plan)

AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement: https://DrinkAG1.com/Tim (1-year supply of Vitamin D (and 5 free AG1 travel packs) with your first subscription purchase.)

The League curated dating app for busy, high-performing people: https://www.theleague.com/; available on iOS and Android

Timestamps:

[06:50] Notes about this supercombo format.

[07:53] Enter Jamie Foxx.

[08:19] When Jamie met Kanye West.

[10:58] Why Jamie considers his studio magical.

[13:32] When Jamie met Ed Sheeran.

[15:00] What's on the other side of fear?

[16:53] Making impressions.

[22:15] How Eric Marlon Bishop became Jamie Foxx.

[24:49] Overcoming fear at open mics.

[26:12] Could Prince or Michael Jackson find a career break in today’s "Age of Memes?"

[27:49] How Jamie learned to read the room.

[33:27] Why do some comedians lose the ability to make people laugh?

[39:04] Enter Jacqueline Novogratz.

[39:37] Jacqueline's background and siblings' accomplishments.

[42:06] Jacqueline's journey into social impact investing.

[45:15] An early banking career and reputation for asking tough questions.

[48:36] A tendency to champion underdogs.

[53:18] From banker to disruptor.

[1:00:04] Jacqueline's first opportunity in her new path.

[1:05:28] Failures, small wins, and perseverance.

[1:09:21] Jacqueline's first real win in Rwanda.

[1:13:37] The path between Rwanda and founding Acumen.

[1:16:06] Jacqueline's reasons for applying to Stanford Business School.

[1:18:10] How the Rwanda genocide redefined poverty for Jacqueline.

[1:20:42] Lessons Jacqueline learned about human nature from the genocide.

[1:26:25] Acumen's three main functions and naming process.

[1:29:12] The quantification of impact investment through Lean Data.

[1:37:28] Alternative names for Acumen that got left on the cutting room floor.

[1:40:43] The concept of moral imagination.

[1:44:55] An early win at Acumen.

[1:50:43] Advice for young people aspiring to create positive change.

[1:53:20] The benefits of committing to something larger than oneself.

[1:56:10] Characteristics of a good mentor.

[1:59:36] Book recommendations.

[2:02:48] Advice for impact investors at various levels.

[2:09:20] Next steps for investors to start making a difference.

[2:14:00] Jacqueline's authenticity.

[2:17:07] A taste of potential topics for a future round two.

[2:20:55] Parting thoughts.

*

For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.

For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors

Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.

For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.

Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.

Follow Tim:

Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss 

Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss

YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss

Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferriss

Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Straye

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #474 "Matthew McConaughey — The Power of 'No, Thank You,' Key Life Lessons, 30+ Years of Diary Notes, and The Art of Catching Greenlights" and #327 "Aisha Tyler — How to Use Pain, Comedy, and Practice for Creativity."

Please enjoy!

Sponsors:

Momentous high-quality supplements: https://livemomentous.com/tim (code TIM for 20% off)

Eight Sleep’s Pod 4 Ultra sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating: https://eightsleep.com/tim (save $350 on the Pod 4 Ultra)

LMNT electrolyte supplement: https://drinklmnt.com/Tim (free LMNT sample pack with any drink mix purchase)

Timestamps:

[04:58] Notes about this supercombo format.

[05:51] Enter Matthew McConaughey.

[06:19] The words forbidden in Matthew's house growing up.

[08:58] The book that changed the course of Matthew's life.

[17:27] Matthew's 10 goals in life (circa 1992).

[22:20] Why take more risks?

[26:04] The evolving purpose of keeping a diary.

[29:48] The art of running downhill.

[33:56] Learning to say "No" to rom-com typecasting.

[47:50] Enter Aisha Tyler.

[48:19] Aisha's role in The Tim Ferriss Show's existence.

[49:43] Aisha's trademark podcast question.

[51:06] Aisha's unorthodox childhood and family relationships.

[52:06] How did Aisha answer the questions "Whose day is it?" and "What are you going to do?" every morning?

[55:34] From where does Aisha get her general sense of optimism?

[57:25] Following father's advice and views on regret.

[59:22] Free-range parenting vs. modern overprotection.

[1:03:33] Having a bad day? You're not special!

[1:05:27] Young Aisha's career aspirations.

[1:06:52] Why was Aisha miserable at what she thought was her dream job?

[1:08:51] Why did Aisha pick standup comedy to break into show business?

[1:10:08] What it was like to keep a day job and do standup comedy as a hobby.

[1:11:50] Commuting for comedy in San Francisco.

[1:14:03] What made the comedy club bubble of the '80s burst?

[1:18:11] How did Aisha practice to get better at standup?

[1:19:01] A memorable set Aisha bombed and the gift it gave her.

[1:22:22] Dealing with hecklers Bill Burr and Kenny Moore style.

[1:28:20] Aisha shares some of her own heckler stories.

[1:32:31] Aisha's academic approach to the math of comedy.

[1:34:43] What's the Rule of Threes?

[1:35:36] Gauging comic evolution.

[1:36:46] Comedians compared to other artists.

[1:38:04] Changing success metrics and creative traps.

[1:40:41] How fear-based people-pleasing affects creativity.

[1:43:52] If one likes big butts, one cannot lie — even if it might tick someone off.

[1:46:03] Sometimes constructive feedback does make me change my mind.

[1:46:33] Pursuing authentic, meaningful work.

[1:48:32] Comedy's core beyond humor.

[1:49:04] Expecting failures in creative beginnings.

[1:49:52] Why it doesn't pay to emulate a master of a craft in their own field.

[1:51:51] Aisha's transition to filmmaking.

[1:54:47] Aisha believes in personal aggression.

[1:55:28] How Aisha piggybacked resources for her first music video.

[1:56:30] Learning filmmaking through short projects.

[1:58:03] What lessons did Aisha learn from these projects?

[1:59:06] How visiting the sets of Penny Dreadful and Vikings in Ireland led to making AXIS.

[2:00:52] Financing the Ireland trip.

[2:02:35] The email Aisha sent to visit the set of Vikings.

[2:03:18] The impact of fan appreciation.

[2:04:50] Budweiser's "Whassup" campaign origin.

[2:05:38] Why Aisha made AXIS.

[2:07:06] Resources for aspiring screenwriters and tech investors.

[2:08:06] What is AXIS, and did anyone try to talk Aisha out of making it?

[2:09:53] AXIS production exp

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #522 "Anne Lamott on Taming Your Inner Critic, Finding Grace, and Prayer" and #148: "Josh Waitzkin, The Prodigy Returns"

Please enjoy!

Sponsors:

Momentous high-quality supplements: https://livemomentous.com/tim (code TIM for 20% off)

Helix Sleep premium mattresses: https://HelixSleep.com/Tim (25–30% off all mattress orders and two free pillows)

Shopify global commerce platform, providing tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business: https://shopify.com/tim (one-dollar-per-month trial period)

Timestamps:

[04:49] Notes about this supercombo format.

[05:51] Enter Anne Lamott.

[06:21] What is it about Bird by Bird that has affected so many people so deeply?

[07:18] Where the title of Bird by Bird originated.

[09:40] How Neal Allen helps people tame (but not discard) their inner critic.

[10:45] Who controls the dial when you're tuned in to KFKD radio?

[11:51] How Anne recommends I pursue my fiction writing aspirations.

[12:37] The pros and cons of Anne's upbringing.

[19:08] What does being "spiritually fit" mean to Anne?

[24:40] How radical self-care became an imperative for Anne.

[32:25] The dark night that turned Anne's son Sam's life around.

[38:10] Enter Josh Waitzkin.

[38:43] On Dreaming Yourself Awake by B. Alan Wallace and Brian Hodel.

[39:58] Casual exercise.

[40:52] Josh's terrifying experience with the Wim Hof method.

[45:52] How Josh uses "flow" as therapy.

[48:19] Initiating a flow state.

[50:45] Cognitive biases and armchair professors.

[55:07] Developing high-level sensitivity and listening to your senses.

[57:53] Strategies for on-boarding newcomers to mindfulness training.

[1:02:40] Paddlesurfers in peril.

[1:03:36] Embracing the funk.

[1:06:03] On parenting.

[1:15:07] Fixed perspectives and growth mindsets.

[1:17:34] On training somatic sensitivity.

[1:22:06] On mitigating the dangers of a fixed identity.

[1:24:32] Marcelo Garcia and the principle of cultivating quality as a way of life.

[1:30:19] Quality and presence in parenthood.

[1:33:42] The fire-walking process.

[1:40:11] Translating techniques learned from martial arts to less obvious activities (like investing).

[1:42:19] Building slack into the system.

[1:46:17] Scarcity in the learning process.

[1:54:27] Josh's daily journaling process.

[1:56:25] Thematic interconnectedness in the context of education.

[2:04:08] The Art of Learning Project.

[2:05:59] Parting thoughts.

*

For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.

For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors

Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.

For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.

Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.

Follow Tim:

Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss 

Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss

YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss

Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferriss

Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, E

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #444 "Hugh Jackman on Best Decisions, Daily Routines, The 85% Rule, Favorite Exercises, Mind Training, and Much More" and #241 "The Relationship Episode: Sex, Love, Polyamory, Marriage, and More (with Esther Perel)."

Please enjoy!

Sponsors:

ExpressVPN high-speed, secure, and anonymous VPN service: https://www.expressvpn.com/tim (Get 3 extra months free with a 12-month plan)

Momentous high-quality supplements: https://livemomentous.com/tim (code TIM for 20% off)

Wealthfront high-yield cash account: https://Wealthfront.com/Tim (Start earning 5.00% APY on your short-term cash until you’re ready to invest. And when you open an account today, you can get an extra fifty-dollar bonus with a deposit of five hundred dollars or more.) Terms apply.

Timestamps:

[05:46] Notes about this supercombo format.

[06:49] Enter Hugh Jackman.

[07:22] What books has Hugh gifted most?

[10:35] Hugh's meditation practices.

[14:07] Summoning and maintaining the emotional and physical energy necessary for performing.

[19:59] What lessons did Hugh's father teach him about being an example to others?

[25:32] The contract Hugh made with himself at the end of drama school.

[29:13] Best decisions Hugh made in the first years of being an aspiring/working actor.

[34:23] How has Hugh learned to trust his intuition?

[37:07] The design of the day and the efficacy of manifestation.

[39:38] The most efficient exercises Hugh knows.

[40:53] The importance of incorporating relaxation into physical activity (the 85% rule).

[44:17] Enter Esther Perel.

[44:41] Esther's background.

[46:11] Growing up among Holocaust survivors in Antwerp.

[53:45] Her parents' survival: chance vs. choice.

[1:02:27] Trust or vulnerability: which comes first?

[1:04:24] Impermanence as motivation for living fully.

[1:06:24] Esther on being counterphobic.

[1:09:35] Studying in Jerusalem.

[1:14:02] Seeking and approaching mentors.

[1:22:39] Eroticism as an antidote to death.

[1:26:04] Options for couples with sexual listlessness.

[1:33:04] Too much honesty in relationships? American vs. European views.

[1:39:07] Complete sharing vs. caring in relationships.

[1:40:16] Guiding patients through infidelity disclosure.

[1:45:29] Overcoming fear of abandonment in non-exclusive relationships.

[1:52:23] Quarterly relationship report cards.

[1:53:54] "Don't ask, don't tell" in polyamorous relationships.

[1:55:46] Innovation and flexibility over rigid ideology in relationships.

[1:58:43] Relationships as power dynamics.

[2:02:20] The research process for Esther's book on adultery.

[2:08:36] Arguments for marriage today.

[2:13:47] Divorce rates in second marriages.

[2:15:13] Marriage's effect on relationship behavior.

[2:17:54] Human questions explored through infidelity in Esther's book.

[2:21:48] Books Esther frequently gifts and rereads.

[2:22:42] Esther's billboard.

[2:23:15] Parting thoughts.

*

For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.

For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors

Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.

For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.

Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.

Follow Tim:

Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss 

Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss

YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss

Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferriss

Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #60 "Arnold Schwarzenegger on Psychological Warfare" and #331 "Ann Miura-Ko — The Path from Shyness to World-Class Debater and Investor."

Please enjoy!

Sponsors:

AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement: https://DrinkAG1.com/Tim (1-year supply of Vitamin D (and 5 free AG1 travel packs) with your first subscription purchase.)

Eight Sleep’s Pod 4 Ultra sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating: https://eightsleep.com/tim (save $350 on the Pod 4 Ultra)

Shopify global commerce platform, providing tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business: https://shopify.com/tim (one-dollar-per-month trial period)

Timestamps:

[04:08] Notes about this supercombo format.

[05:11] Enter Arnold Schwarzenegger.

[05:45] Where did Arnold develop his cast iron confidence?

[09:15] Mastering the psychological warfare of bodybuilding.

[13:58] Transferring this skill set to Hollywood.

[17:13] On making millions before becoming a movie star.

[19:48] Playing good bricklayer/bad bricklayer with Franco Columbu.

[24:41] How Twins came together.

[29:14] Meditation as one of many answers.

[35:47] Enter Ann-Miura Ko.

[36:14] Ann's childhood shyness.

[38:14] The Japanese phrase Ann used as a hostile kid in Michigan.

[40:20] How Ann overcame introversion.

[43:13] Ann's first solo stage speech.

[44:22] Why Ann continued with speech and debate.

[45:17] Ann's love for competition.

[46:54] Ann's extreme efforts for pizza.

[48:57] The catalyst for Ann's debate improvement.

[53:01] Debate competition format.

[56:56] Ann's recommended resources for improving debate skills.

[59:56] Observations on modern debate in politics and family.

[1:02:01] The most important lesson from Ann's debating years.

[1:04:50] Differences between debate and negotiation.

[1:06:53] Ann's father's journey to America and favorite phrase.

[1:10:29] Ann's world-class effort in menial job tasks.

[1:13:15] How a Yale tour led to shadowing a CEO.

[1:18:36] Ann's first job experience.

[1:20:20] Ann's favorite office supplies.

[1:21:32] Ann's cherished personal artifacts.

[1:23:06] Ann's experience teaching Mayfield Fellows at Stanford.

[1:24:42] A reading list and plans for Ann's Stanford startup class.

[1:28:05] Spotting artificial inflation in startup valuations.

[1:31:29] Why Ann changed her career path from medicine.

[1:34:45] What Ann knew about herself that her parents and test scores didn't.

[1:38:55] Ann's entry into venture capital and startup investing.

[1:39:29] An encounter with Steve Jobs.

[1:40:40] A job offer based on shared interests.

[1:44:40] Ann's experience at CRV during 9/11.

[1:47:55] The most expensive words in investing.

[1:48:16] First principles thinking and common leadership decisions.

[1:50:52] Winning strategy vs. strategy not to lose.

[1:51:59] Manifestations of hedging as a defensive strategy.

[1:53:46] The importance of focusing on your own race.

[1:55:47] A need for aggressiveness to win.

[1:56:38] How Ann met Mike Maples, Jr.

[1:59:26] Ann's PhD plans and shift to working with Mike.

[2:02:12] Ann's reaction to Mike's unusual proposition.

[2:06:40] Ann's hectic first year at Floodgate.

[2:08:41] Ann's real first name.

[2:09:21] Ann's struggles and coping mechanisms.

[2:14:56] Ann's superpowers.

[2:18:44] Thunder lizards and Ann's pursuit of them.

[2:20:20] Ann's view on AI and machine learning's impact.

[2:23:11] Philosophy exercises and real-world applications.

[2:24:50] Aligning collective and self-interests in problem-solving.

[2:27:08] Books Ann has gifted or reread most.

[2:29:09] A recent, game-changing purchase under $100.

[2:30:28] A

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode "Derek Sivers on Developing Confidence, Finding Happiness, and Saying No to Millions" and "Interview of Kevin Kelly, Co-Founder of WIRED, Polymath, Most Interesting Man In The World?"

Please enjoy!

Sponsors:

Wealthfront high-yield cash account: https://Wealthfront.com/Tim (Start earning 5.00% APY on your short-term cash until you’re ready to invest. And when you open an account today, you can get an extra fifty-dollar bonus with a deposit of five hundred dollars or more.) Terms apply.

Helix Sleep premium mattresses: https://HelixSleep.com/Tim (25–30% off all mattress orders and two free pillows)

AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement: https://DrinkAG1.com/Tim (1-year supply of Vitamin D (and 5 free AG1 travel packs) with your first subscription purchase.)

Timestamps:

[05:47] Notes about this supercombo format.

[06:50] Enter Derek Sivers.

[07:20] From pig show busker to circus ringleader.

[10:42] Derek's framework for developing confidence.

[13:05] "The standard pace is for chumps."

[18:51] Relaxing for the same result.

[24:01] The origins of "HELL YEAH! or no."

[26:25] "Busy" implies a life out of control.

[28:03] What inspired the automation of CD Baby?

[33:22] Derek's billboard.

[34:32] Good advice at any age: "Don't be a donkey."

[40:24] Enter Kevin Kelly.

[41:02] Kevin's biggest regret.

[43:13] Finding contentment in minimalism and "voluntary simplicity" without starving to death.

[50:33] Kevin's epiphany when he embraced writing as a late bloomer.

[56:40] Why Kevin promised himself he would never resort to teaching English while traveling abroad.

[59:07] Finding purpose through resilience and the creator's dilemma.

[1:06:50] Why the appeal of being a billionaire is overrated.

[1:11:05] Middle-aged optimization.

[1:15:28] Realizations following a "six months until death" challenge.

[1:20:08] Kevin's Kickstarter-funded project linking angels and robots.

[1:22:41] Why a self-proclaimed ex-hippie waited until his 50th birthday to try LSD for the first time.

[1:28:43] Why a population implosion is probable in the next 100 years.

[1:36:05] The greatest gift you can give to your child.

[1:38:21] The criteria for Amish technology assimilation.

[1:45:03] What technology-free sabbaticals can do for you.

[1:48:53] Long Now Foundation's vision of a better civilization.

[1:53:33] The graphic novel teaching young people how to become indispensable.

[1:54:52] An antidote to misguided "follow your passion" advice.

[1:56:44] Kevin's favorite fiction book.

[1:59:15] The resource Kevin compiled for documentary lovers.

[2:02:47] A name Kevin considers synonymous with "success" (and why success is overrated).

[2:05:46] What Kevin would change about himself.

[2:07:59] Daily rituals.

[2:10:44] How Kevin accumulated enough books to fill a two-story library.

[2:15:19] How Adam Savage from MythBusters transformed Kevin's method of organization.

[2:17:14] The project everyone should undertake at least once in life.

[2:19:30] Does discovery equal invention?

[2:20:12] Kevin's advice to his younger self.

[2:23:16] Parting thoughts.

*

For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.

For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors

Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.

For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.

Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.

Follow Tim:

Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss 

Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss

YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss

Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss 

LinkedIn: l