The Backseat Driver Podcast

Matthew and Christopher DeMarco
  • 5.0 (14)
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Welcome to the Backseat Driver Podcast where we seek to provide a unique perspective as we explore the worlds of performance, psychology, and sport.If you like the show please leave us a rating , review, or share with a friend.Follow us on instagram: @the_backseat_driver_podcast

  1. 6D AGO

    Intentional Inefficiency Pt 1

    We return to the podcast after nearly a year and introduce a discussion inspired by Chris’s Substack “Deep Lessons from Shallow Things,” specifically his article “Intentional Inefficiency.” We examine how modern culture treats efficiency, automation, and productivity as ultimate goals—an undercurrent amplified by AI—and question whether faster and more optimized systems actually improve quality of life. Drawing on Oliver Burkeman’s book “4,000 Weeks,” we discuss time as a cultural construct that became standardized with industrialization and globalization, contrasting it with earlier task-bound rhythms like farming and sleeping with daylight. We discuss that commoditizing time pushes people into constant future-orientation at the expense of presence and relationships, and cite the idea that more productive societies can become less happy. We explore how meaningful work, learning, parenting, and relationships are inherently inefficient. We finish by unpacking the “paradox of limitation,” the stress created by trying to control and optimize everything, and how accepting human finiteness can be freeing, especially for high achievers.

    40 min

  2. 02/15/2025

    What We Have Changed Our Minds About

    In this episode we talk through some of the big changes in our beliefs over the last few years. We dive deep into the psychology of changing beliefs. We explore some of the unchallenged assumptions of the world around us, and discuss the pros and cons of these narratives.

    49 min

  3. 01/01/2025

    The Battle for Your Attention

    In this episode we dive into the battle for your attention especially in relation to your smartphone. Have you ever seen how many pickups you have per day? Have you wondered about the endless scroll on social media? Why do we have so many notifications? We cover all of this and more in this episode to help you focus better and be more present everyday. Phone Table Study The Anxious Generation Stolen Focus

    34 min

  4. 12/03/2024

    Alaine Mills: Why You Should Love Carbs

    In the episode we interview sports dietician Alaine Mills. Alaine is a sports dietician with MUSC and the Charleston Battery.  During our conversation we discuss her approach to helping athletes maximize their fueling, the most common mistakes she sees in her practice, and her pet peeves about nutrition mis-information.

    1 hr

  5. 10/22/2024

    Can You Be Elite and Balanced?

    In this episode we debate whether you can become elite at something and still have an element of balance in your life. We also discuss if insecurity is inherent to becoming great.

    36 min

  6. 08/19/2024

    Olympic Recap: Our Favorite Moments and the Psychology of Being an Olympian

    The Backseat Driver Podcast

    50 min

  7. 07/29/2024

    Eat The Marshmallow: Why Delayed Gratification is Overrated

    Have you ever had the thought that working away your prime and hoping for an exciting retirement just did not make sense then this is the episode for you! We take a deep dive into the background on delayed gratification, how it became overhyped, and how to find the right balance in order to enjoy your life now.

    49 min

  8. 07/10/2024

    State of the Union: USA Soccer

    In this episode we discuss our take on the recent group stage exit for USA soccer. We also discuss the Euro and Copa America tournaments. Last, we talk about the art of sports and how data disrupts that creativity.

    23 min
See All (32)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Backseat Driver Podcast where we seek to provide a unique perspective as we explore the worlds of performance, psychology, and sport.If you like the show please leave us a rating , review, or share with a friend.Follow us on instagram: @the_backseat_driver_podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew and Christopher DeMarco
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Backseat Driver Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Backseat Driver Podcast