Ego Lab

Anthony Carl & Brian Faust
  • 4.9 (14)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Bimonthly

What is the ego anyway? Join Anthony and Brian as they explore philosophy, discuss life's challenges, and examine the ideas and tools of thought leaders. They share their personal experiences and ask questions that help you grow. It would be our honor for you to leap headfirst into the discussion with us. - Ego Lab

Episodes

  1. 11/16/2023

    Perfection & Reflection: The Art of Acceptance, Creative Expression, and Finding Balance - Ep. 10

    Send a text Have you ever been in a scenario where you felt your idea wasn't perfect enough to be shared? Felt a heavy weight on your chest when the outcome of your efforts couldn't match up to your expectations? Let us help you unravel the paradox of perfection in this soul-stirring conversation. We kick off the episode with raw and personal anecdotes about our struggles with the idea of perfection and the expectations that tag along with it.  Master the art of balancing the exploration of self-expression through creativity and the primal human instinct to fit in. We'll guide you through the process of understanding the crucial role of creativity in our lives and its relationship with perfection. We also delve into the conversation of how our ego can sometimes stifle creativity and how to navigate this. Don't miss out as we shed light on the importance of transcending our egos to ensure creativity becomes a liberating experience, rather than a pressure cooker.  Finally, we embark on a profound exploration of life's purpose, the role of our ego in achieving it, and creativity's ability to help us transcend beyond our physical existence. This episode is not just about introspective discussions; it also focuses on the benefits of community connection. Being part of something bigger than oneself can help manage anxiety and depression. Tune in and let us help you navigate the balance between your ego and your community, allowing you to present the best version of yourself.

    40 min

  2. 10/07/2023

    7 strategies for coping with anxiety and depression - Ep. 9

    Send a text Join us as we discuss our favorite strategies and philosophies around anxiety and depression. Can you be addicted to anxiety? We use Judson Brewer's book Unwinding Anxiety and Johann Hari's book Lost Connections as a guide to navigating depression, anxiety, and more.  Here are the seven of the root causes and solutions discussed in the episode: Disconnection from:  Meaningful work Other people Meaningful values Childhood trauma Status and respect Disconnection from the natural world Hopeful or secure future

    33 min

  3. 03/24/2023

    Turning Dreams Into Reality: Exploring Self-Discovery on the Appalachian Trail - Ep. 8

    Send a text In this episode, Tony and Brian interview Lexi and Nico about their experience thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. They discuss how their dream became a reality as well as: How to Pursue a Passion Learning from Obstacles and setbacks How to persevere in situations where most people quit How to find balance in times of stress How to find a community even when you’re in the middle of the woods The importance of finding others who will push you to reach your goals How long does it take to hike the entire Appalachian Trail? Are there any dangerous animals on the Appalachian Trail? How to deal with sleeping on the ground for long periods of time

    52 min

  4. 09/27/2022

    Decision Making - How do I know if I'm making the right choice? - Ep. 7

    Send a text In this episode, Tony and Brian discuss: Is free will an illusion? How one small change in your mindset can reduce Anxiety and Worry Why new decision making strategies can have a major impact on your life The superpower of letting go Are negative experiences the most important? The impact of indecision and how to move past it Why biases are limiting you How to stop spending time on things you don't care about What to do if I regret my career choice? Timestamps  (1:05) Do we have free will? (4:31) Neuroplasticity and our brains are like a computer. There is hardware - our genetics, and software - the experiences we load onto it. (7:14) Can you get over anxiety?  (9:00) Do you use worry as a tool? (10:20) How to identify what decisions are worth paying attention to (12:42) The story of the farmer taking life in stride (14:47) What is the right decision? (17:10) How do I make big decisions feel more manageable? (18:27) How do I know my decisions are good ones? (20:23) Are some decisions more important than others? (22:50) How do I manage opportunities and the number of decisions I have to make? (27:11) How do biases impact my decisions? Show notes ep 7 decisions We didn’t pick our parents, we didn’t pick our life experiences, so there’s an element of chance in all aspects of your life. There is a lot of biases and beliefs that come preloaded on us because of nature and nurture. Our brains are like computers. We have hardware that makes us who we are. Our tendencies to act and feel certain ways. Then we have the software, which is our learned experiences. Software is all of the parts of our lives that shape how the hardware operates. Neuroplasticity is like walking in a forest. Just like when we walk through a forest and have to make new paths, our brains do the same with learning. The more we walk down certain paths the more defined they become. Changing our thought process from “I have anxiety” to “there is anxiety present” makes the feeling something impermanent. It allows us to move past that feeling of anxiousness instead of believing it’s a part of everything we do. If you’re not careful you might be using worry as a tool. Worry allows us to feel a false sense of control over one’s future. Think about it like trying to worry about all the outcomes that could potentially happen, so you won’t be surprised. You can use simple strategies to help you identify what you want to be putting your attention on. Exercises that help us identify what we can and can’t control can be very helpful. Click here for the worksheet that can help you with that. We tend to see things in the moment as “good” and “bad”. But when we look back on our experiences it’s often the case that a “good” experience didn’t turn out like we hoped and sometimes our “bad” experiences are the most important instructors. Every choice comes with an opportunity cost. When we make a choice in the moment it comes with pros and cons. We’re going to gain and lose from every decision but it’s important to make a decision and live with the consequences. When you begin down a new path, try to begin with small steps. It’s much easier to climb a 100-foot ladder when the steps are one foot apart than it is to climb a 100-foot ladder when the steps are 10 feet apart. “The Secret to getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.” - Mark Twain A lot of life is be

    36 min

  5. 08/21/2022

    How To Create Lasting Change by Compounding Habits - Ep. 6

    Send a text How to take all the king's rice Why 80% of your effort is probably a complete waste How the one percent rule can make you into a productivity machine How pillows, grease, and brakes took a sports team from worst to first How to know if you are too spread out or focused Why consistency is underrated Find free worksheets, blog posts, and insightful book recommendations at EgoLab.us (0:00) Intro (1:05) The magic of the compounding principle (3:05) How the 1% rule can make you 37x better in just one year (4:35) How the British Cycling Team went from laughing stock to dominant winners (8:25) Why Success leads to more Success  (9:19) The power of anchoring habits (9:50) The vital role that consistency plays in growth (12:39) Using the snowball effect to achieve your goals (15:40) Leveraging the Pareto Principle for monstrous growth (17:00) Understanding biases to improve your life (17:57) The sunk cost fallacy and relationships (19:50) The greatest predictors of successful relationships (20:33) The brilliance of Warren Buffet (22:31) How to create better outcomes in a shorter time

    25 min

  6. 06/17/2022

    Why Wanting Less Makes You Wealthy - Society's Complex Relationship With Money - Ep. 5

    Send a text How To Live Like A Millionaire - And How To Do It Without Money  How much money do you need to be happy?  Why comparison is in our genetics  Why we care so much about money  Why lottery winners wind up miserable  Live your dream life for way less than you suspect  What the science says about happiness and money Episode Summary: Why does society view money as the ultimate status symbol, and how does this perception affect our overall happiness? This episode tackles these provocative questions and more as we dissect the complex relationship between wealth, happiness, and self-worth. We dig into the societal push for financial abundance and the consequent pressure to climb the socioeconomic ladder. But, are we losing sight of what truly matters in this race for riches? We also deep dive into the concept of 'enough' - a state of contentment that stems from gratitude, not from amassing wealth. It's not about the money itself, but the options that money can provide. What if the pursuit of happiness is not about acquiring more, but about appreciating what we already have? We examine how our inherent qualities – positive or negative – can be amplified by wealth and the influence of our surroundings on our life choices and values. In the quest for success, we may risk it all only to find ourselves in a destructive downward spiral. So, how do we redefine success and wealth? It's time to question conventional definitions and focus on discovering our true values. We wrap up the episode with a thought-provoking discussion on the influence our surroundings exert in shaping our lives and the role of wealth in this process. So, let's break free from societal norms and embark on a journey toward financial enlightenment and genuine happiness. Timestamps 0:41 Why do people care so much about money? 5:49 Want to be wealthy? Ask yourself, “Why do you want it in the first place?”  8:16 What you really need to be happy in your life 10:27 How comparison robs you of your happiness 13:43 How one bad idea can change your life forever 16:45 Why lottery winners are miserable and what would you do if you had a million dollars? 19:20 The Billionaire party and having enough 21:32 The difference between money and wealth 26:27 How to live like a millionaire without a million dollars 30:10 Are people with more money actually happier? What the science says 33:26 How to think more creatively about making enough money 36:12 What will make you feel like a millionaire?

    42 min

  7. 03/10/2022

    What Makes Us Human - Use Hope to Build a Fulfilling Life - Ep. 4

    Send a text In this episode, Anthony and Brian discuss how hope is one of the fundamental emotions giving us purpose in life, how to cultivate hope through positivity, Brian’s experience with hope and cancer, tools to build positivity and hope, and how to live a long and fulfilling life, and many other gems throughout the episode. Show Notes: https://www.egolab.us/podcast/show-notes-e4-what-makes-us-human-use-hope-to-build-a-fulfilling-life Episode Summary: We all grapple with life's complexities, yearning for a beacon of hope to guide us. Ever wondered how harnessing hope and optimism can power our dreams, infuse joy and empower us to conquer life's daunting challenges? We're taking you on a deep-dive into this extraordinary force, with profound insights drawn from Victor Frankel’s 'Man’s Search for Meaning' and an exploration of the potent placebo effect of optimism and hope. Our journey takes us through the critical role of community and support systems in nurturing hope, the stark contrast between solitude and loneliness, and the power of self-compassion, self-love, and gratitude in framing a new perspective on hope. You'll get a peek into the intriguing concept of a 'happiness thermostat' as proposed by Jonathan Haight, and an examination of the lifestyle choices contributing to the impressive longevity of the Okinawan culture. This episode is not just an exploration of hope, but also a testament to its power - as seen in Brian's personal battle with cancer. Learn how Brian embraced positivity to ride through this challenging phase and gain insights from his experience on nurturing hope and living a long, meaningful life. We've got handpicked book recommendations, guided worksheets, and reflective questions to bolster your journey of embracing hope and optimism. So come aboard, and let's illuminate our paths together, with hope as our guiding light. Timestamps (0:00) Intro (0:42) Hope and Finding Your Why (3:43) The Placebo Effect and Hope (6:30) Hope and Communities, Fighting Cancer, Finding The Will to Live, Friendship, and Impermanence (16:33) How to Use Positivity to Cultivate Hope (20:48) Creating a community of Hope within yourself (25:02) Tools for developing Hope, Gratitude, and Optimism (27:30) Is Being Optimistic an Inherent Trait or Can We Develop it? (31:37) Ikigai and Hope - Do Optimistic People Live Longer? (34:13) What If I don’t Want To Be Hopeful?

    37 min

  8. 01/14/2022

    Lessons in Success and Failure - Ep. 3

    Send a text In this episode, Anthony and Brian discuss letting go of the stigma associated with failure, why it’s important to separate failures from your identity, and how to create a personal society with the people who share your values.  Learn how to find silver linings in every challenge and the benefits of having an accountability buddy! Timestamps (00:35) - Breaking the stigma associated with failure (2:25) - How society plays a role in what we consider failure (4:38) - Why failing doesn’t make you a failure (5:58) - Is it ok to feel “bad”? (9:29) - Are we hard-wired to seek success? (11:28) - Who controls your society? (13:55) - Using accountability to find success (17:50) - Why failing in public is different than failing in private (20:50) - Two powerful tools for overcoming failure

    23 min

  9. 01/05/2022

    Ego Lab Sneak Peak

    Send a text Get a taste of the Ego Lab Podcast

    1 min

  10. 10/12/2021

    Why You Never Have Enough Time - Ep. 2

    Send a text "Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he can't afford to lose."  Thomas Edison.  In this episode, we discuss ideas and strategies you can use to make the most valuable use of your time. (0:00) - Intro (2:33) - Peter Thiel “Why can’t you do it in 6 months?” (3:34) - Warren Buffet’s attention prioritizing strategy  (4:34) - Parkinson’s Law and how to get more done (6:15) - The Pareto Principle (80/20 Principle) teaches us where to put our time (7:24) - How to use leverage to optimize results in your life. (8:45) - Schedules, dispelling the Myth of Creativity and the 10,000 Hour Principle (10:10) - Tools for removing distractions to optimize Flow States and Deep Work  (13:03) - Don’t multitask.  (15:00) - How to strike a work-life balance (15:55) - Peter Drucker’s productivity recommendations  (17:25) - Tools for time management. (19:40) - Morning and evening routines to optimize sleep.

    25 min

  11. 10/01/2021

    Destinations - Pilot

    Send a text Prepare for take-off with Anthony and Brian! Does your life sometimes feel like a sailboat adrift in vast, turbulent seas without a clear destination? Welcome, dear listeners, as we navigate together towards defining our personal destinations and discovering the journey to get there. We'll look at how to embrace the present, align decisions with core values, and manage the different aspects of our lives, much like a sailor handling a boat. Hold tight as we sail further into the ocean of life, uncovering how to create a meaningful array of experiences while setting achievable goals. We'll venture from the shores of fear, anchoring ourselves in love and focusing on learning. We'll craft an individual roadmap, balancing knowledge with experience, and using that compass to guide us to our desired destination. Setting a course is crucial, but so is regularly checking and adjusting that course. We'll unravel the SMART framework for goal setting, highlighting the importance of challenging yet fulfilling goals. We also recognize and appreciate life's blessings like family, friends, and opportunities. We'll cherish the strength we derive from past mistakes, and the invaluable support we receive from loved ones. So, hoist the sails, adjust the rudder, and join us in this journey of sailing through life's ups and downs. (0:00) - Intro (1:00) - How do you know what your destination is? (2:31) - Setting value-based goals (5:10) - How to think about 6-month goals (6:33) - How to set goals across all aspects of life (7:57) - How to set goals that aren’t dictated by society (9:52) - How to use fear and love to help assess your decision making (18:20) - How to use SMART Goals to achieve results you actually want. (24:13) - How to overcome the patterns that are holding you back  (26:50) - How asking yourself “why” too much can hinder your goals  (29:20) - How to overcome the fear of heading to your destination.

    33 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

What is the ego anyway? Join Anthony and Brian as they explore philosophy, discuss life's challenges, and examine the ideas and tools of thought leaders. They share their personal experiences and ask questions that help you grow. It would be our honor for you to leap headfirst into the discussion with us. - Ego Lab

Information

  • Creator
    Anthony Carl & Brian Faust
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2023
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ego Lab
  • Show Website
    Ego Lab