“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”
— Mark Twain
For nearly 15 years, I started almost every public presentation with the above quote. First and foremost, it was a reminder to myself. It still is.
Four score and 750+ episodes ago, I started a podcast.
In 2023, The Tim Ferriss Show crossed a billion downloads. This past April marked the 10th anniversary of the first episode. It seemed as good a time as any to pause and reflect.
Let’s kick it off with a weird graph and wild numbers:
listennotes.com/podcast-stats/
The dip in 2022 is simply the resumption of pre-COVID trends, as 2020–2021 was an at-home anomaly. That said, the pandemic period saw some of the largest deals in the space, and it helped propel deal comps and mass media attention to new heights, a lot of which stuck around or at least heavily rounded up. The celebrities, the ad dollars, the gazillion-dollar exclusives, the controversies… It’s all been outrageously exciting to watch.
statista.com/chart/10713/podcast-listeners-in-the-united-states/
When I started my podcast in April of 2014, there were fewer than 200,000 podcasts listed on iTunes (as Apple Podcasts was called back then). At the time of writing this post, there are more than 4,200,000.
That represents a 20x+ increase, but there are other interesting metrics to ponder. Here’s one: bigger shows.
If we define a “bigger” show as any show with at least 100,000 downloads per episode, I would guess the total number of such shows has at least 100x’d. This is a massive paradox of choice and discovery issue. Having a good show is no longer good enough. Having a great show is no longer good enough.
If you want to survive in the mindshare of listeners, you need differentiation.
I think this is reflected in how well special-interest podcasts with a focus (e.g., The Drive with Peter Attia, Founders, Huberman Lab, Acquired) have done recently relative to newer interview-format shows where nearly anything goes.
As is so often the case, if you stand for everything, you can end up standing for nothing.
So, how do you differentiate yourself if every person and their grandma is starting a podcast?
If you’re starting from scratch, I think choosing a niche you have a bizarre love for—and therefore endurance for—makes a lot of sense.
If, on the other hand, you have a broader, interview-based legacy show, it can be a little tricky. Perhaps the business is great, but you see the writing on the wall and want to be ahead of the curve. As I see it, there are at least a few options:
(1) Start a new podcast with a niche focus. Sadly, I suspect I would get bored within weeks or months, but it’s not off the table…
(2) Pack up your tent and walk off into the sunset in search of other adventures.
(3) Create new and better rules.
I landed on #3.
In the midst of a weekly ship cycle, it’s hard to escape the collective pull of algo chasing, thumbnail tweaking, and details long enough to zoom out. The waters have been churning at a fever pitch, ever changing and ever faster. When you’re inside the washing machine, it’s very hard to step out and get perspective.
So I decided to take a sabbatical of roughly four months. It ended a few weeks ago.
During the sabbatical, I stopped recording new episodes, republished some of the greatest hits (e.g., Jamie Foxx, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Margaret Atwood, Jerry Seinfeld, and more), and did a lot of thinking.
The full break allowed me and my team enough breathing room to think about the long game. What do we want to do, and furthermore, why are we doing this at all?
Since nearly all the rules are made up anyway, I asked myself a bunch of questions, including:
What might this look like if it were maximally fun?
What might this look like if it were easy?
If I get to do this for another decade, or had to do this for another decade, what new rules might I create to keep it interesting?
Of course, these are implicitly “for me.” It’s a highly personal thing.
In my experience, keeping it interesting for me generally keeps it interesting for my lovely listeners. At the very least, it’s the only way to ensure I have the enthusiasm required for endurance.
Sure, sometimes what-Tim-likes is too strange and misses the mark, but trying to cater to the tastes of an abstract “audience” or the YouTube gods, without paying attention to what you like, has sent a lot of podcasts to the elephant graveyard.
And even if you manage to “win” that game, winning might be the most dangerous.
Rather than getting Old Yeller’d behind the barn, you have just enough income or traction or validation or growth to make it seem crazy to stop. How could you shut it down? Then you adjust to the creeping boredom and incremental gains, and you convince yourself that it’s all a cost of doing business. You start by feeding the machine through the cage, only to wake up one day and realize that you’re the one inside the cage. For an extreme example, read this article on audience capture, but it can take many forms. Some are very subtle.
Media is a great tool and a merciless master.
Fortunately, this is NOT how things need to be.
Based on all of the above, here are some new rules that I’ll be implementing starting today:
No more book-launching episodes.
The podcasting circuit has largely become the same authors appearing on 15–30 podcasts in any given week or two for book launches. It’s the modern equivalent of a radio satellite tour. For authors, I totally get it, but I’m over it, and I know a lot of my podcast friends are over it. It’s boring for everyone.
So, I’m opting out. No more book-launch episodes for a while.
If I make an exception, it will likely require that both of the following conditions are true:
– You’re a truly close friend, meaning we’ve known each other for at least 10 years, we’ve stayed at each other’s homes, see each other multiple times a year, etc.
AND
– The episode will come out a minimum of three months before the book’s publication date. Early can be a great strategy for authors. This is exactly what I’ve done with past guests like Jocko Willink, who made his first-ever podcast appearance (in fact, first public interview) on The Tim Ferriss Show in September of 2015. I suggested we publish well before his pub date because this space would allow his publisher to gauge pre-order demand and substantially increase the initial print run. His first book, Extreme Ownership, hit the New York Times bestseller list, and the rest is history. Even one month is quite tight if overseas printing is involved, and sadly, a lot of podcasters don’t respect embargos (crabs in a bucket!), so… at least three months in advance it is.
90/10 barbell strategy for future guests.
The barbell strategy is an approach to investing popularized by past guest, author, and self-described flâneur Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
The metaphor of the barbell is apt because weights are placed at the far ends. In the investing context and in simple terms, the majority of your assets might be in very conservative positions with the remaining assets in very high-risk, very high-reward bets. For instance, municipal bonds and angel investing. The middle is empty.
But how could you apply this to a podcast? It’s actually very easy. Just look for extremes. I apply the barbell approach all over my life and business.
In the case of The Tim Ferriss Show, I will aim to interview guests who are either:
Known by more than 90% of my audience (e.g., Jeff Bezos, Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey)
Or
Known by less than 10% of my audience (e.g., some of my favorite past episodes, like Dr. BJ Miller, Boyd Varty, Dr. Sue Johnson, or Elan Lee)
I’m trying to avoid the messy middle, which is a Tokyo subway car of repeat guests on the circuit. It’s crowded, and I don’t like crowded. Cue The Blue Ocean Strategy.
Prioritizing living legends.
I love people who’ve mastered a craft and who seldom—or never—do podcasts.
I really enjoy interviewing masters who’ve produced excellence decade after decade. This often means such people have some gray hair, and I would love to celebrate them and immortalize their wisdom while they’re still sharp. The last person holding a tradition, the 10th generation of X, a reclusive genius… you get the idea.
Experimental hyperdrive.
I’ve experimented a lot on the show in the past, and I’m going to put that into hyperdrive. It’s simply more fun.
I have done podcasts in saunas (e.g., Rick Rubin’s first-ever podcast), live Q&As, walk-and-talk episodes in the mountains, drunk-dialing fans for shits and giggles, interviews in taxis in Uzbekistan, audiobook excerpts, and more. It’s easy to assume that slick, labor-intensive, polished episodes get the most downloads, but it’s simply not true. And much more important, the experimentation keeps things fun and fresh. After all, I still consider this the early days for podcasting. Less than one-third of terrestrial radio ad spend has landed in podcasting thus far, and there’s lots of room left to innovate and make strange things work.
If you only stick with what has worked, you might miss something that works a whole lot better.
So, if you want to listen to one podcast that delivers a variety of fun stuff in a variety of formats, that’s the next chapter. Maybe I should rebrand as The Tim Ferriss Variety Show… or make a mobile-only TimTim WalkWalk? That last one is for the oldies.
So, let’s get this party started.
I’ll continue to add to these policies and this blog post, but in the meantime, I would love your suggestions:
What would you like to see or hear on the podcast?
Are there any experiments that would tickle your fancy? Or podcasts or formats I should see for inspiration?
Any guests that fit the 90/10 barbell strategy? Living legends?
Other thoughts or suggestions?
Please let me know in the comments below! Comments here are far better than social media, as I’ll actually see them. And thanks for reading this far.
All the best to you and yours,
Tim
P.S. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe to The Tim Ferriss Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you find your audio niblets.
The Tim Ferriss Show is one of the most popular podcasts in the world with more than one billion downloads. It has been selected for "Best of Apple Podcasts" three times, it is often the #1 interview podcast across all of Apple Podcasts, and it's been ranked #1 out of 400,000+ podcasts on many occasions. To listen to any of the past episodes for free, check out this page.
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I love this post! My favorite: how you can apply these 2 masterful questions (what might this look like if it were maximally fun & easy?) to literally any area and get amazing answers ❤️
Thanks: for taking time off to renew and recharge (it’s inspiring for everyone!)
Thought: 👍🏻👍🏻 to the new rules
Suggestion: Interview some regular people having success at being happy.
(hint: some of your fans, we’re doing it)
Thank you for 10 years of fun and learning, Tim!!
Love this Dayana. Was just coming here to suggest the same!
Third that… True happiness and peace of mind is a metric often missed. So easy in this day and age to compare to the next person, the next couple with 5 or 15 investment properties, the ones without kids having a blast of a vacation in Japan… But true peace of mind (virtually impossible…) is seldom undervalued. I’m not sure who to interview… But certainly there are a lot of under the radar, never interviewed people that truly have found some peace and happiness… Whatever that means for them… 🙂
You’ve just made my life easier by posting your suggestion Dayana, as I agree with your point. I’ve also love Tim’s self-reflection questions here (to add to many highlighted jewels from Tools of Titans).
Fully support the 10% knitted into your podcasts Tim, including unsung leaders doing cool things (a theme discussed in the book “Better” by Christina Wedgwood) or having guests with really specific (and interesting) life goals e.g one of your most interesting podcasts included your guest sharing a radical passion for writing a book in an old mid century ledger!
Thank you for bringing a greater level of authenticity and gracious vulnerability to the world…and the openness in sharing your journey with us.
Excellent post. Kudos to what you have achieved and the mindset to pause and hit refresh. I was intrigued by your conversation with Sam Corcos; specifically his dinner parties. What about a format where you would record such a dinner party? It would likely being an editing nightmare, but it would be a fun experiment and fantastic to see how bright minds think about specific topics.
I’d like to see you mix in a few more repeat guests with your closest friends. I don’t think I’d want 100% random shows, but interesting conversations with your close friends have a very different (in a good way) vibe than new guest ABC. Even twice a year with folks like Mullenwig or Ryan Holladay could be great. Takes the need for introductory stuff away and can get right to the juicy bits.
Agreed, I love the random show and would love more of that style sprinkled in!
Tim – just finished listening to “Good Inside” by Dr. Becky Kennedy. It was read by the author and thought she did a tremendous job illustrating her thoughts. Not everyone is a parent, but everyone was a kid and there is some really thought provoking material in here.
Along those same lines, a suggestion for a topic would be the current state of youth sports in this country. As a parent of two young kids who play sports, there are some troubling trends with adults using this as outlet to make themselves the priority rather than the children. In short, it’s appalling.
Regardless of which direction you take with the new shows, I appreciate your work and will continue to be a listener. Thanks again for all of your efforts over the years to educate and entertain us.
You should read about Dr. James Andrews’ thoughts about this. He spoke extensively about the pay to play culture and its negative effects on the kids. For context, he was the orthepedic surgeon of superstars, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, etc. He often performed pro bono surgery for kids.
As a father of 2 kids into baseball (15 male) and softball (11 female), I have toyed around with a whitepaper of sorts about youth sports. The working title is “The fall of youth sports seasonality” where kids no longer have seasons of sports (and no sports) and the pressure to do a single sport year round. Starting at the youth to college NIL and the portal, monetization and other external pressures (keeping up with the “Jones”, parents and kiss) have an effect. (this was NOT written with any AI assistance, straight from the hip😀)
Please write that whitepaper, friend. I’ve had two children who play competitive soccer and have been disturbed and cautious about the changes in youth sports. It’s a far cry from what I remember as a teenager, when I ran track and cross country in the late 80s.
This article speaks to many of these problems – https://time.com/4913687/how-kids-sports-became-15-billion-industry/
And this from HBO: [Moderator: YouTube link to “Youth Sports Inc-Full Segment: Real Sports (HBO),” on the HBO channel, redacted per embed policy.]
I am also a huge Becky Kennedy fan, love this suggestion! Your shows have had a huge impact on me and I am so grateful for all you do!
Good plan — book launch interviews are akin to watching the same movie a bunch of times from a slightly different position on the couch. The barbell approach sounds perfect. I also like the idea you mentioned on the random show with Kevin where you have a few mates together for a group format — I’d love to hear how a few of those playout. As long as you’re enjoying the conversations you’re having, then we’ll continue to enjoy listening. Congrats on a billion downloads BTW. That’s a crazy number when you stop to consider what that actually means.
Would love to hear from Daniel Day-Lewis, specifically about his decision to retire from acting to take up an apprenticeship, what skills he learned from that, etc.
I love the idea of hearing from anyone who walks away from what seems to outsiders as the pinnacle of their given career, in favor of doing something different. It’s a universal idea of seeking something else, and would fascinating to hear.
ditto that. It takes a certain courage to engage in the first place; But then to recognize when your work is done and move on….
Hi Tim, I fit the grey hair 90% side of the barbell (outside of sauna, only a few people know who I am). But I’ve helped many thousands build their own saunas and have had 100 episodes of Sauna Talk, my podcast where I try to do as many episodes as possible on the sauna bench.
I’m not sure which came first, Sauna Talk or your episode with Rick Rubin on his sauna bench. Either way, here’s a kindred spirit wanting the share the goodness of my decades of experience and love of really good sauna, with you and your listeners.
There’s the newly reported health benefits, of course. And yet behind the scenes is a centuries old tradition, free from timers and heart rate monitors. Building our own sauna is in most peoples’ grasp, with a mind towards good heat, steam, and ventilation.
I really like sauna. Really good sauna. And I’m happy to share what I know and what I’ve experienced helping others live happier and healthier lives.. thermal goodness. Thanks Tim.
This is incredible! I would love that! I will go check out your podcast in the meantime : )
1. Interview Living Legends who don’t speak English and are not accessible to most English speaking listeners. Travel to them, use a translator and your love of language. Show us the world.
2. To quote Elvis, “a little less conversation, a little more action please.” As you are a man of actionable ideas. One of my favorite podcasts and one that changed the trajectory of my life was Henry Shukman leading you through a mediation. I was driving and experienced such a blissful peace I thought I want to try this on my own (and recently just sat with Henry for two days at the Berkeley Alembic!) Huberman just did this with Martha Beck who led him on a Perfect Day exercise (and I signed up to hear her speak in Toronto this October.) So what does it mean to not just speak with your Legends but get actionable with them? (I’ve always wanted to hear Rick Rubin live produce a song…)
3. Lastly, a note I’ve wanted to send you. First there was story telling, then hand written and copied books, then the printing press cut to digital books. The format of Digital books have not changed pace with the capabilities of their medium. Meaning they aren’t redefining what a digital book could be. For example, take The Four Hour Book of Choice. You have grown and changed as has your knowledge. There may be information in your book which is static and this outdated. You don’t need to write a new book. You dont need to publish a new edition. Digital books could be Living Books growing and changing with you. Reader could subscribe to your Four Hour Book of Choice and every time you wanted to update your book to make more current or correct or add a chapter, you could do so and reader (on your site? on Kindle?) could be alerted that Tim Ferris has added to The Four Hour Book of Choice. They could then link straight to the addition and perhaps be enticed to reread chapter or book. I think this Living Book option is especially needed for Actionable books, Longevity or Health books, and biographies. Walter Isaacson could add a chapter on Davinci’s newly found note or Elon Musk’s latest chapter. This service could be included in price of books ( so free ) or a subscription service.
Congratulations on your journeying.
Holy crap, interviewing foreign living legends through translation is a great idea! We don’t know so many cultural icons in other countries (and they don’t know many of ours either.) Maybe AI makes this feasible…
I love the idea of interviewing people around the world in their language. There are some amazing people in the weirdest places… like you, Tim, absolutely wonderful and somehow an open secret.
My favorite podcast episode of all time, still to this day, is your first interview with Jim Collins. Certainly a living legend.
My gym listen for tomorrow – thanks!
Devin Townsend – interview this living legend. Metal and prog legend, artistic genius, puppet maker and subsequent concept album Ziltoid similar to Cøckpunch. Please please please
I love this breakdown of how you are evolving the podcast and playing by your own rules.
Echoing Dayana’s comment re: interviewing ‘regular’ people who are having success at being happy/content. Or maybe podcast fans who have implemented various lessons for guests over the years and how that worked out for them (though I imagine it would be hard to sift through all the potentially interested parties who meet that criteria).
I also love the 90-10 principle as I think that encompasses what I really enjoy about the podcast- either a deep, interesting dive on someone I know of or being introduced to someone I probably never would have learned from otherwise.
Stephen King is prolly who I’d be most interested in hearing from and would fit the barbell criteria well.
Love this.
Here’s a guest idea (I’ve been trying to get this guy on my show to no avail, but bet you could): Ken Stornes.
Cliff diver, Viking (a real one), Naked & Afraid champ, powerlifter, gymnast.
Look him up (his IG vids are good). Go jump off a cliff with him and then interview him.
Hope you’re well man.
Love the new rules! No notes. Well, only one: keep it long form, as you always have. The depth you reach with your guests is unequalled by any other interviewer I listen to.
Love your focus and constant striving for more! I would LOVE to hear you interview Jose Victor Leme. He is a Brazilian professional bull rider. He came into the sport in his very early twenties and single handedly changed the sport with not so much his talent, which is amazing, but his attitude. His positive influence shifted the attitudes of most everyone in the sport. I watched it happen from his first professional ride about five years ago. While his talent and records that he holds are acknowledged, no one is discussing how much of what he has done is the result of his positive mental attitude and how infectious it was to the other competitors. Someone needs to tell his story and I often think this is a guy Tim Ferriss would find fascinating!
Autocorrect got me… His name is Jose Vitor Leme
Living legends who seldom do podcasts:
Grant Morrison, Alan Moore — Comicbook writers with esoteric beliefs and practices (punk rock version of magick and the occult)
Dan Harmon — Creator/Writer of Community, Rick & Morty and the Harmontown podcast
Deep dives into writing/creative processes would be amazing!
A new episode with Scott Adams is due!
Format ideas:
-Episodes with just distilled actionable advice on a topic
-Hypereel episodes for motivation to leave on in the background while you workout or walk
Hey Tim,
I’ve enjoyed what you make, glad to hear you’re spicing it up.
What about Yuval Noah Harari as a guest? He has some interesting interpretations of history.
Hope all is well.
How about:
Brando Sando would be an excellent interview! As far as 90 percenters, his graphemania puts him on another level in the world of writers.
Agree with the Brandon Sanderson suggestion above and manga author suggestion below. I love this reflect & reboot and would like ‘behind the scenes’ updates on how you process what’s happening next on the podcast
Thinking about your idea of masters at the outer edges, what about Kerry King or Tom Araya from Slayer? I’ve heard you mention their influence on your musical taste in your earlier years, and they have had an interesting journey as to how well they have navigated the decades, kept true to what they did. They have also had to endure challenges and loss within the band. Of course they have done a million interviews with music magazines, but I think you could very likely bring a unique approach to the conversation tbey won’t have experienced before, and could uncover some gems that would appeal to your core listeners.
It would be awesome if you can interview some Japanese manga author(s). There is very little content about that (at least in English), I think it’s a fascinating world, and you’re the perfect person to do it (like you did with the Marie Kondo interview!).
Some ideas would be Takehiko Inoue or Naoki Urasawa, which are some of my favourite authors and as far as I know are open to doing interviews. Who I would really like to hear from would be Eiichiro Oda, though, but I doubt you can make that happen :(. But one can only wish :D.
So many great episodes some living legends from all walks
Cal Ripken, General Mattis, Seth Klarman, Kareem-Abdul Jabbar
Tim, I would love to see you build a bridge with eastern influence and different life philosophy. It seems like a lot of research has gone into the creation of eastern influence in cøckpunch, and that you already have a deep understanding of the culture. It would be interesting to hear from world class performers, spiritual gurus, etc. As a westerner, I would love to learn more about Buddhism or Confusianism through your podcast.
I found this really interesting. As a family blogger for over a decade, I found myself seeing a lot of similarities. For example, people always tell me I should niche down but I don’t want to for fear that I will become bored. I also found a lot of your thoughts were from a totally different perspective. It was nice to sort of open my eyes to new ideas. For example, I have noticed a downtrend in my traffic too but just felt like I was failing. I never thought about it as return to pre pandemic levels. Also, I found the 90/10 barbell strategy completely new to me and it makes sense. We all like what we know but finding a new gemstone is always fun too. I like that you took time to pause and create your own rules- very detailed at that!
Hi Tim! First of all, I agree with your parameters for the podcast going forward. Here’s some food for thought in regards to the 10% of the barbell approach. Celebrities and the rich and famous do not interest me in the least, but you know what I find absolutely fascinating? Scientists who are doing the research nobody’s really talking about (yet). Based on your years of philanthropic investment via the Saisei project, your dedication to supporting/educating the world about psychedelic research, and even your most recent TalkTalk with Kev, I know this interests you as well. What about a series of podcast episodes with scientists from different areas of study that are doing the fringe work? The up-and-coming work? The work that needs to be funded? Throughout each episode in the series, the listeners could learn about the research the scientists have been doing, explain why it is important, hear what research they would like to be doing in the future, and actionable steps on how your audience could support that research, if they were so moved. For a few examples, I’m thinking about previous guests, such as Dr. Nolan Williams, Dr. Isabel Behncke, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Dr. Martine Rothblatt, and Dr. Matt Kaeberlein. Before each of these episodes, I had never heard of the guest or their work. After each of these episodes, I was driven to learn more about the work the scientists were doing and had done, and I was delighted to learn about their unique areas of study through your podcast and the mini generous links you and your team place in the show notes/transcripts. I think you are well suited for these types of interviews, with an engaging conversation style and an audience that is bright enough to appreciate the information and the pocket change to contribute to some really interesting research.
I am always impressed with your ability to step back, reflect and re-engage situations with new energy and perspective. As I listened to you talking about your sabbatical on the Random Show with Kevin, I could feel my own head filling up with fresh energy. Impressive.
I would offer myself up as a potential 10%’r for your “barbell” concept. As in 90%+ of the audience would have no idea who I am. My family operates an 8 generation farm in the Midwest growing fruits and vegetables for the “pick your own” market. I serve as the current president and seventh generation family member.
Potential topics:
Thanks for all the great podcasts you have shared with the world. It has certainly impacted my life in a very positive way.
I just pulled the plug on a podcast I began at the end of 2010 and ran for 1185 eps). It’s refreshing to read so many thoughts I thought might just have been me.
Hi Tim. I’m a voracious pod consumer since the start, but I have never been drawn to yours. I am a newsletter subscriber, and I probably read/watch and LOVE 10% of your recommendations in those categories. Find that gap in interest/relevance intriguing. There’s perhaps something about the diversity, the dabbling, maybe the “variety” aspect of the newsletter. I dunno. But I will start listening bc I think these rules/goals are sound and invigorating (to you, it seems, and also to me). Looking forward.
Tim,
Thanks, thanks and thanks, past, present and future. I am certifiably 20% better at being me because of your content.
This idea is not really your style unless you count being uncomfortable as your style, but once you narrow down the partner list do a dating / interview / compatibility check episode basically “The Bachelor meets the internet.” keep names anonymous, travel, do things, get your friends perspective on the person as they might be a better, and less-overthinking, judge of compatibility.
Either way good luck on the search. Having and raising kids is the gift of a lifetime.
Cheers,
J
I came here thinking I might suggest this. But even better… I’d like Tim to interview matchmakers from a couple of societies around the world. As for his own dating life, well, I think he may be better off going right to figuring out the kids. That’s what he really wants. Not to be a husband, but to be a Dad.
Living Legend: David Bessler. He co-founded Veterinary Emergency Group which has a radically different approach to the way we do Veterinary Emergency Medicine. With over 85 hospitals and counting nationally, he has managed to keep the culture alive at each location with some specific strategies. He’d be right up the podcasts alley, and he would qualify for TimTim WalkWalk.
Appreciate you always, thank you for always striving to grow and improve each day, it has led me to do the same.
Possibly 90/10 and Living Legend – Michael A. Singer. The most practical spiritual teacher out there. I listen every morning, every night. Sometimes listening to the same talk repeatedly and still gleaning new tidbits. I would love to hear you interview him.
Thanks for posting this! Lots to chew on. Would love to see you interview Jay-Z, Brandon Sanderson, and Christopher Nolan.
Hey, great podcast. I’ve been listening for years. What about getting some of the great AI researchers who are still living? These are the guys who published some of the most influential journal papers on AI and contributed the groundbreaking research for the current AI revolution. These would be part of the 10% group (anyone in AI knows all of these), and this is certainly an incomplete list.
We all miss Anthony Bourdain, how about some travel episodes where you interview folks in their natural habitat and explore lesser known areas – including here in US?
Dream guests: Bill Bryson, Steven Spielberg, Dick van Dyke, Clint Eastwood
Thanks for always sharing your thoughts and process with us!
💯 Bill Bryson
Tim,
One living legend, now in his 90s is Thomas Sowell. He is a brilliant philospher who has been so overlooked by main stream media. I wish more people knew him. He is like the black Mark Twain to me.
Interview my Husband Chris Ford DPT if you want to learn about back pain and how to resolve it! Revolutionary!
Would love to hear an interview with some of the world-class session musicians/writers in LA & Nashville who have been around forever and have stories about playing with the greats.
It’s time for Oprah.
Firstly: Inspiring work, across the board!
A highly experimental format that might be interesting for some folks:
Trippin’ Talks
My guess is that those handful of beautiful little serendipitous phrases, realizations, conversations and insights, that can easily occur on such an experience, might prove to be sublime.
Additionally it might be healthy for those who’ve never experienced such a subtance to hear that individuals who explore such a compound don’t turn into rabbling gibbons.
I also recognize this would be quite a task to undertake for yourselves, but it would be interesting to try out, and I’m not aware of anyone else (with reach) doing it.
I’d love to hear you interview David Whyte! I think you’d really enjoy it, and I think he would fit in the “10% known” category. Cheers!
Tim,
Long-time listener and fan. I found the 4 Hour Work Week freshman year of college (2014) and have also listened almost weekly ever since the podcast came out. Really appreciate your work, it has certainly helped shaped my thinking and life.
A couple thoughts on format… I recall you doing more solo episodes (Q&A, exploring various topics, etc.) and I enjoyed those. Maybe that could fall on the experiments side of the barbell. More Q&A, more “advice to the audience”, case studies… very tactical/actionable to the everyday person. People trying to start business, train for a specific goal, change their thinking…
Maybe you don’t have to do those kind of episodes alone? Maybe you could have a Kevin Kelly, Derek Sivers, or Naval help you sort through these for an entire episode. More live-action, “thinking on your feet”.
Also, episodes where an expert coaches you through a specific problem or helps you explore different ideas. Not too dissimilar from some of your work in the past.
I also love group episodes (think the “Heresies” episode). Maybe with some 2-3 others, debating/discussing various topics.
Anyway, those are my two cents. I will continue to follow regardless!
Thank you – Jackson
Hi tim,
listener of the podcast since 2014. One of the things that I’ve loved, and reason I come back over and over is that I consider your content somewhat of a gateway drug. Physical stuff. Injury rehab. Meditation. You name it. I’ve gone deep with some weird stuff over the years and it has changed the trajectory of my life, so many many thanks for that.
Someone who is a “living legend” in the meditation space (as well as a listener of your show – he say so in one of his audiobooks) is adyashanti. I know his name might turn a lot of people off, but he is really grounded, super practical, while at the same time one of the more insightful people I’ve ever met/listened to. It would be amazing to hear you meet with him.
In that same vein, Loch Kelly is somebody that I’ve found points to direct and accessible pathways to inner clarity in ways that I haven’t seen anyone else do. I know you’re familiar with both of these people, but just wanted to give them a shoutout because the work they do is so transformative.
the last shoutout I would give is for Michael Taft. Super interesting dude – he’s a meditation teacher, but also super knowledgable about A LOT of other things including tech, psychedelics, etc. (Michael Pollan is a fan, I sometimes see him at Michael’s thursday night sits in Berkeley).
I want to give you a big thanks, again for all your work. I hope it keeps opening hearts and minds.
I would like to propose another rule: Do not mention the name of the institutions where your guests received their education. By doing the typical “And today’s guest went to Harvard undergraduate, Stanford graduate” etc., you are unintentionally perpetuating the idea (particularly among current no name college students), that to be an “achiever” one must attend a name brand Ivy. What the guest has achieved should speak for itself. My two cents…spend it how you wish. Congratulations on the new format! This non-Ivy leaguer is looking forward to it!
Looking forward to seeing this next chapter of the TF podcast unfold. As a fan who has contributed invaluable comments during a special fan-only event–I noticed your head fitting perfectly into the shape in a picture on the wall behind you–I think it only makes sense to heed my advice: I know you love ski-touring and other mountain adventure sports, so why not bring in a couple of the unsung heroes from this obscure world? These folks would definitely fit into the 10% category of the 90/10 rule, and I think they could tell some amazing, funny stories and perhaps even teach us something cool. Maybe Caroline Gleich? Maybe Cody Townsend? He also does other crazy stuff and is possibly closer to the 90 category than the 10 category, but maybe Kilian Jornet?
Hello! Welcome back, Tim. For your lesser known barbell end, I’d love a series with some unknown badass senior citizens who prove that the best years are yet to come.
Thank you for the opportunity to request TimTim WalkWalkees!
My top 3:
– Barbara Kingsolver (known for her fiction [no imminent book tour] yet so much more to learn from her, given her colourful upbringing and interests)
– Matthew Brensilver (nervous system whisperer/teacher at Spirit Rock)
– Miranda July [not currently on book tour] – maker & paradigm shaker
Ok top 4:
– Trevor Noah, such a(n) (r)evolutionary being — no two interviews with him are the same and each one leaves me dancing with a fresh paradox or seven
Biggest gratitude for a decade of learning & growing thanks to you!
Would love to see Trevor Noah. Such a thoughtful human being.
Guest recommendation: Daniel Schmactenberger. His area of expertise is existential/catastrophic risk.
I really like the episodes of Boyd Varty, Martha Beck and Derek Sivers. These according to me subjectively represents the 10% segment and especially these are world class persons that are on the top in their “fields”. I also think that these persons represents a “common thread” in the podcast that is worth exploring much more. I have not found a podcast that is near what you are doing here. Maybe this is a narrow niche but I think it’s worth going there anyway.
Nassim N. Taleb, Morgan Housel, Naval Ravikant and Peter Attia (and similar health episodes) are also great people to listen to but I’m not sure that I found them on your pod, and they do not (partly exception Naval and Nassim) the “common thread” mentiond above.
Sorry if this makes no sense. Just wanted to share what I want to hear more about.
Wisdom vs IQ. There is no correlation between the two and it would be super fun to hear about less intelligent people doing wise things as well as people with high IQs doing dumb shit.
Welcome back! I appreciate who you are and the thought that you put into these things, trying to differentiate and standout, being thoughtful and looking ahead at the big picture. I think these are good rules. Excited to see what’s next.
I’d love to hear from more <10%er researchers about new technologies, alternative perspectives, etc. Also I really enjoy hearing about your processes and thought processes in posts like this, I would honestly love to listen to you talk about it more even without a guest.
It doesn’t really matter to me if you’re walking or sitting, or the location you’re recording from, to be honest, but as long as it keeps things interesting for you then your fans will appreciate it.
I would suggest Dubravko Lapaine: Living legend and unknown to most people. Can play the Didgeridoo like no one else in the world. This man practiced more than 10 hours a day to get where he is today. In addition, he makes those instruments himself and knows about “spiraling in”. And moreover, the Didgeridoo can be a life-saving tool in critical situations because it’s all about (proper) breathing.
Links:
https://lapaine.com/
I have contact details if needed.
Holy shit…that’s wild! A master indeed.
Great Post – and certainly happy to see you taking steps away from mainstream.
I fancy episodes with several guests on specific topics, like a discussion on fatherhood with Jocko, Josh and Laird Hamilton.
Invite your friends to a chat around the table.
Tim – my wife and I lost our young daughter unexpectedly last summer. Shortly after it happened, I searched your podcast show notes and archives and didn’t find much covering and dealing with grieving a loved one.
I took notes over the past year and, while I’m far from out of the woods, I think the knowledge I’ve gained from this experience would benefit others facing loss and grieving.
I’m not writing a book because I don’t have time for it and I don’t want to monetize my daughter’s death. My biggest platform is LinkedIn, and it feels completely wrong to share that type of info – it will come off as self-promoting and that’s not the audience for it.
Your podcast would be a platform to anonymously share what I’ve learned with a very broad audience. I would want final review / editing rights with my wife and I know you offer that to your guests.
I’ve been a long time listener and gained a lot of value from your podcast. This would be my way of contributing back to the community.
Hi Tim,
I am a big fan of the podcast. The Martha Beck and Gabor Mate episodes made a profound impact in my life. Thank you.
I am the founder of a philosophy that explains why people develop substance dependency. It goes more granular and is highly correlated to the experiences of this segment of the population.
I am not a scientist. I am not even a graduate degree holder. Because when I got sober 18 years ago, there was no barrier to doing the hands-on work of helping others. As a profession yes, but to do the actual work, no.
Through years of experience and heavy reading, I have built a paradigm that applies in quite a radical way, because it is true. I propose that you interview me. And I can tell you what it is, and how I was gifted the inspiration of it. It is almost as if I did not have the idea, but the idea had me.
I propose other “inperts” like me as well. That is a term from PsychoCybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, referring to people who learn not from studying, but from doing the thing. One truth that can be taken from the fact that I have no letters after my name is this: no one has taught me how to think about this in a rigid format. It is from books and experiences and life itself.
I have a concept that can change the world. I have done zero interviews about this. I just started my business a month ago, and I am going to be working to change the world. Perhaps we can delve into the details together and spark a human movement?
The idea is called Ultra Receptivity.
I would love to have your help, but if not I will remain an active listener and fan. Thank you for the paths you take.
1 | More Japan, please. Japanese expertise and craftsmenship would fit the 10% well.
2 | More Tim, please. Your content like this is what originally drew me in. You can disect a problem, pose clarifying questions, and derive practical rules. I’d love to see more content like this, especially adapted into your podcast format.
Bouncing energy wise, for sure the pandemic period was excited, not so sure it was exciting. Including its continued influence, who can talk about the pandemic’s aftermath?
Tim, thanks for the incredible podcast – and excellent choice with stopping the ‘new book promo’ conveyor belt!
I echo an earlier commenter about interviewing non-English people, and using a translator. Also about a dinner party which would be epic – or something more simple like the show ‘As Yet Untitled’ here in the UK (roundtable discussion). Without a live audience would be more intimate and stop people playing for laughs.
For a niche person, I’d suggest Naudi Aguilar from Functional Patterns. He shuns most of the fitness industry and tends to polarise opinion, but he has incredible results with both athletes and people suffering from chronic pain. I think you’d be the perfect person to hear him out, but with a bit of necessary prodding and pushback.
This certainly isn’t a shill: I have my doubts about Functional Patterns but the whole philosophy of it is something I’m really drawn to. Based on what I’ve experienced of you in your podcasts and books, I suspect you might be curious too. And Naudi hasn’t done too many big interviews.
Thanks again Tim, wishing you all the best!
Tim, this sounds like a solid plan to keep yourself engaged in podcasting. I actually don’t care who you interview or the format you do it in. I listen because your humility and rapport building skills dis-arm your guests, quickly driving the conversation to content that is real and sincere. I don’t even care if they are experts in any field. Do whatever rules you need to do to stay in the game. The gold for me is the connection you make with your guests, which I believe will persist in any format that keeps you going.
I would love to see an interview with Yo Yo Ma or Stephen King. Both incredible living legends who are late in their careers and I feel like you could get some outside the box thoughts from both of them that we haven’t heard in past interviews.
On the outside the box suggestions: Kyle Clark, a news reporter here in Denver who has been getting some attention for his approach to local news. And charisma on command’s Charlie Houpert. Charlie was inspired by you early on and has an incredible podcast he runs now alongside his far more successful YouTube channel that breaks down charisma for people. It would be amazing to see both of your outlooks on life in one conversation!
What about doing interviews with someone like Kelly Starrett/Laird Hamilton while working out or getting put through the paces? Interview Wim Hof while sitting in the snow. Kind of a physical Hot Ones.
Would love if you’re able to connect with Stuart Sovatsky (Princeton ’71) – a wise elder, polymath, writer and therapist
Episodes where only you speak. Interviews are overcroweded and I’m personally bored w them —but there’s only one Tim. More Tim !!!!
Living Legends to Interview
RE:Show Format,
As much as you may not want to hear this, I think that’s mostly for you.
The truth is you’re on top of the mountain and you got there by having a great product that people appreciate.
Cycles of up and down are natural.
As an anecdote – here’s my trajectory with your podcast.
Moral of the story: the show is/was great, but with the sheer quantity of content + periodic saturation points (e.g. there is NO podcast that I’ve been obsessed with in the past that I remain equally obsessed with today), it’s natural for people to come in and out of the flow.
I think the reality of growth at this stage isn’t about innovation within the product (not to say that it can’t be done), but it’s likely more about creating the kinds of things that brought people into your ecosystem in the first place. The books. The crazy bio/origin story. The personal experiments and endeavors. I.e. I think if you started a company and gave people visibility into it, they’d be super hyped.
Perhaps an easier – I rarely miss an episode when you’re on someone else’s show, so maybe doing a lot more of that with the agreement that you get to crosspost the episode?
I think you’re framing it as “how do I disrupt my podcast,” but the more valuable question is probably “how do I disrupt my media business?”
(Disclaimer: Personal sentiments + medium strength ideas loosely held 🙂 )
Sadly Tony Allen passed in 2020…Afrobeat power!
Hey Tim,
I like the suggestion of interviewing some of your unknown but amazing fans. Commenter Chris Eckert gave a pretty good pitch and I’d love to hear from people like him.
I’d also love to hear from people who have found success in unusual industries that are stigmatized or undervalued (for example, back when I was in school there was the narrative that if you went to school for art, you’d be a “starving artist”—while in reality art is everywhere and an artist has touched almost every single business that ever is/was).
Lastly, it’d be cool to hear from the “lesser known” creators you’ve shared about in your newsletter. Ren Gill, the creator of “Hi Ren” comes to mind—or Bobby Fingers… Definitely more of those 10 percenters.
Thanks for all your hard work and years of amazing interviews. Also, Tools of Titans is my most gifted book so thanks for that too. Cheers!
I’d like to hear an interview with Sandra Dodd who has boosted “Unschooling” into a successful alternative to the standard education model for life long learning.
I would love to see more than one guest, rivals maybe. My first thought would be Federer, Nadal and Djokovick. More names: Steve Van Zandt (great doc “Disciple” by the way). Themes: Philosophy of Plato / Socrates, much more interesting than hyped Stoicism. Love your work, best
There is a cohort of people, let’s say they’re over 80 or so, who live a happy life. They are fulfilled, active and healthy, getting by fine financially, even if they’re not wealthy. This cohort is really good at going about their lives and not spouting off about the wisdom they have picked up along the way. I’d love to hear an episode or series in which you visit communities of these people, gather their wisdom and have shorter conversations with those most willing to share. Think Tools of Titans for your final twenty years or so. Keep up the great work.
Check out my From Zero to 80 Podcast: I’m 80 and interview guests from 6 years old to 80. From former prison inmates to skilled surgeons.
Good post. Great podcast.
What about successful failures, something like meeting with creators and inventors to hear about what failures then led to success?
Or adaptive ideas, where a business (or non-profit) idea(s) applied to a different context might have an interesting outcome?
Thinking of guests that would be in the ’10’.. as someone that has worked primarily in non for profit or government organizations, I meet so many people that have orchestrated huge positive outcomes for their community. Lots of people notice the change, but not that there is one or two key people that drive that transformative government policy change, or change the health system for the better etc. I would love to hear stories from those people who work tirelessly for a cause who don’t end up financially wealthy, but have fulfilling lives from the change they have made.
And thank you for your podcast. It’s been life changing in many ways. Hearing from guests and yourself about how to deal with depression brought me out of the darkness of my own. Also discovering Boyd Vartys and Martha Beck has been life changing. Reading the Lion Trackers Guide to Life led me to a whole new career which I absolutely love.
Here’s a question I’d love to have you ask most or all of your guests: “How do you steelman your assumptions? What processes, tricks, or people do you consult to make sure you’re not getting high on your own supply (particularly when you think you’re not getting high on your own supply)? The reason for the question: A pattern I often see is that as people become top-tier successful (you, Attia, insert name of Internet mogul here), they typically increasingly associate with like-minded people. Eventually very little that really challenges their assumptions has an opportunity to get in.
Here’s one for your 10%: Adam Kahane, who was instrumental in moving South Africa out of apartheid, and peace to Colombia. An astonishing man. https://reospartners.com/our-people/adam-kahane
I would like to hear an interview on White House Photographer Pete Souza. Listening to him discuss shooting photos while not be distracted by viewing them could be interesting. And I think he is a legend.
Seconded!
Guest suggestion: Raynor Winn, author of The Salt path.
What do you do when you lose your home, livelihood, and your husband and love of your life, is diagnosed with a debilitating illness?
It will be very interesting to see your concept over time. I will be listen definitely and hope to enjoy it as many of your episodes. In fact most of your last 20 episodes where super sharp already but I don’t know of course if that was fun for you.
How about reaching out people who are not leaving in US? Yes, you had some visitors and great ones but there must be more gray hair and well know in their home countries. Perhaps they land in these 10% but hey, they must be solid one if they are actually 90% in their home country e.g. from Poland: Olga Tokarczuk, Jerzy Owsiak, Agnieszka Holland or Robert Lewandowski.
From Spain e.g. Amancio Ortega, Pablo Isla, Ana Patricia Botín or Pedro Almodóvar.
We are just individual and statistics play bigger role here and still need to be funny for you – sounds definitely not easy choice.
You create something extraordinary. I just love your work and I learn a lot from your guests and from you.
Thank you!
Wow, congrats on 1 billion downloads and so much more! If you’re looking for someone in the less than 10% category – even if they’re a friend – who talks on a topic that isn’t your favorite (raising creative, confident, fearless, entrepreneurial children), let me know! If not, it’s ok!
Peter O’Sullivan – back pain specialist from Australia who has developed a new paradigm with research. He’s only done handful of podcasts but has a very multi-dimensioanl approach. Game changer!
Hi – a thought that fits q1 and q3 combined with some of Tim’s previous interests is to interview an author named Piers Anthony (if you can get him. He’s 90 and most of his books are from the 1980s). He’s probably in the 10% of the barbell relative to the general population’s level of interest, but I wonder how he would index to Tim’s fans.
To keep this comment short, Piers is an interesting candidate for a Tim Ferris Interview because he was able to blend a difficult childhood of bullying and having tough relationships into the most engaging fantasy writing and loyal fanbase of his time. He is among the most published authors of the fantasy genre and developed a Mr Rogers-type relationship with his readers by responding to all his fan mail in a section at the back of every novel where everyone discovered they were not alone. He was able to communicate his caring for his fans and his ability to empathize with his young male audience actually got him a visit from a troubled person who ran away from home to go live with him.
You can read/listen to that crazy story about him and his fans from an episode of “my American Life” including a very short interview from him (30 seconds – 1 minute I think). It is in episode 470 act one and you can learn more about him here (it’s Wikipedia but I believe his personal website is self-managed and he is 90, so we’ll give him a pass).
It will be a real challenge for Tim to get him, but if he can, I think this could be his most interesting interview for a large chunk of his audience.
I’d love to hear from people who are reputed to have cracked the art of happiness. A Tibetan monk. An Italian grandmother who has a big family and close community connections. A Thoreau who has found their Walden Pond. A husband and wife who have escaped the rat race and literally sailed off into the sunset.
I LOVE your podcast and am very glad you will continue but I hope you will change your ´music’. I am severely triggered by the aggressive techno sounds and must avoid your shows when my post-concussion brain is having a bad day. Looking forward to learning more interesting and fun stuff from you,
I love the Tim Tim Walk Walk style. The question I have for that format is what does the equipment look like, and how does it differ from the more staged and controlled in-room technique?
Hey Tim, long time follower since the four hour work release and your epic trailer of four hour body! It’s been so refreshing to see you evolve along these years. Still here even if time doesn’t always allow me to read all of these, this one was definitely a hit.
As I wrote on another comment below, “peace of mind” and “happiness” (whatever that means and it’s not a penis in the h#rseH@Lle” I’ll leave you to google that one if you haven’t come across the french man description! lol) are a metric that is also hard to define but yet incredibly understated. As I read your request for suggestions… What about interviewing really old people that are still sharp and present. As Steve Jobs said that you can only connect the dots looking forward, understanding the true regrets and values of those that have done it already is probably a more accurate expression of what truly matters than the current culture we live in of appearances, perfect crafted profiles and eternal comparison… THat could be a niche… Anyway… Here are my two cents. If you are ever in NZ and would love a yarn with another incredibly curious human… Give us a shout! 🙂
Tim, I wanted to recommend Amy B. Scher as a podcast guest. I recently heard her speak on Insights at the Edge, and she was amazing! She spoke about how unfelt emotions can contribute to physical conditions (including Lyme disease). I explored her work further after listening to the podcast and found her method — which is simple and elegant — has really improved my quality of life. I cannot imagine how many recommendations you are inundated with each day, but I would truly not waste your time if I thought you and any listeners wrestling with physical issues would not adore her and benefit from her work. (Evidently certain New York hospitals recommend patients to her even though she has no medical training.) Thank you for reading this.
Here is the link to the above podcast I mentioned:
https://resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/amy-b-scher-releasing-emotional-blockages/
A Living Legend: Yasuhiko Naito from Tokyo, one of the pioneers of biologging technology, particularly for marine mammals: https://new.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/36_3_Naito.pdf. He would wander the big electronics warehouses in Tokyo and tinker and tinker and tinker and come up with incredible tools that ultimately gave us profound insight on animals that never before could be observed in that way.
One more living legend: Ron Elliott of the waters off San Francisco. Only urchin diver brave enough to harvest off the Farallon Islands where huge, female great white sharks gather in the winter. [Moderator: YouTube link to “Devil’s Teeth | Future Shorts” redacted per YouTube embed policy.”]
I love the current format and think it still works! Experimenting with new stuff is fun too though. My favorite episodes have often been the random shows or when you do a Q&A.
Beyond that, I sometimes get frustrated when something interesting is touched on but not explored further because the conversation is so far ranging. I’d love to see you interview masters on just one thing and go really deep-philosophies, practical advice, personal stories all on the same one topic.
I was about to unsubscribe just cause I get so many emails and something had to go, but reading your new format Im staying on and look forward to your new format!
A suggestion for a guest is Andrew Forsthefel who wrote WALKING TO LISTEN. His 4,000 miles walk across America, as a 22 year old, treating everyone he met as his teacher .A remarkable, engaging, full of wonder and awe read. Now working in Maine, as a restorative practices specialist for public schools his blog on Substract, “Little Courtyard” has one episode in particular called THE OWL, which when you read it, you, too,Tim, will be deeply moved by what is possible when someone has the capacity, and courage to love like he does in the most unlikely way. That there are young people on the planet, like Andrew, gives me hope for our world.
Sincerely
Forest
I second the nomination of Andrew – he is a wonder. Some of his current work is mentoring young men. You can learn more here –
https://www.youngmenawake.com/
Get Miyazaki Hayao on the show before it’s too late.
Tim – I truly have loved the interviews you do with authors, and have learned so much, and thought them some of your best. I understand your wanting to be more selective, but don’t rule them out just because they are promoting a book.
You can do without the “drunk-dialing, and alcohol induced chit chats with friends.
Glad you are still Podcasting.
Best Regards, Lori
Imagine a podcast format that integrates physical activity with engaging conversation—similar to guided runs or meditation sessions.
This could be a “Walking Podcast” where Tim Ferriss interviews guests while prompting listeners to participate in a walking routine.Throughout the episode, Tim could periodically remind listeners of their progress, such as: “By now, you’ve likely walked for 20 minutes and covered approximately 1.4 km. Let’s keep moving forward.” interactive approach may encourage physical activity but also create a unique listening experience for mindfulness and engagement with the content.
As a long-time listener, I will probably continue to tune in no matter what. That said, I look forward to The Random Show episodes as I enjoy the casual and light-hearted format.
I love the Living Legend direction. My all-time favorite episode was the first one with Coach Raveling. This is significant given I know nothing about basketball and don’t follow any sports!
Regarding the 90/10, please consider Robin Wall Kimmerer. Her book Braiding Sweetgrass is like poetry, and it’s even better in audiobook format. She is a Native American scientist, and her work is informed by both Western science and Indigenous environmental knowledge.
Thank you and your team for everything they do!
Tim, You always surprise me, You always are ahead when is time to change (renew or die). As suggestion:
I am 60+ a real boomer, nobody talk about us (ageism). We feel the same when we had 20, we have dreams, things to share, enjoy doing things, laugh and knowing new people. Actually I have 2 jobs, because here in Mexico having a nice retirement is just imposible. Boomers have a lot to share
Dr John Demartini would be a great 10% guest. His views on depression and grief (among many other topics), might challenge some of your assumptions/presumptions. He’s a polymath, so very bright guy, and a great conversationalist.
Tim, I have your 1% living legend experimental guy since you asked: Greg Baer, [Moderator: email address redacted from public forum.], reallove.com. He’s not the usual charismatic celebrity woo-woo guru doing the podcast circuit. He’s just a guy who figured the important things out and put together a simple yet profound assertion worth exploring. His work tied up all the loose ends for me after years of 12-step work, therapy, seminars, and all the things.
Looking forward to your next grand experiment.
Love this post. This sounds like a winning playbook for the next chapter of the show. One thing to add: always have fun, dude. This is best accomplished with guests who bring out the whimsy. Laughter is contagious. If you’re having fun, we’re having fun. Playful, ridiculous banter is genuine and fun to listen to. Kevin’s “mouth assault device” on the last random show was classic. Try to sprinkle those moments around the actionable development tactics and your natural instinct to lean into your curiosity and you’ve got a recipe for evergreen.
In case this format is still on the table, I would love to have more episodes in the “Heresies” format. I haven’t heard anything like it before on other podcasts.
I appreciate the no book tour rule. Thanks!
Tim – I’d love to see you do an episode in Spanish. I think that would be very fun and refreshing for your Spanish speaking listeners. Big hugs from Venezuela!
Very excited about this new chapter! Maybe a car episode would be fun with a guest.
Hola Tim.
Changing things up is always a good thing. This coming from a guy who did so and moved to Mexico, 20+ years ago. Way younger than most who choose to do so (now 51) and it’s time to change things up again 🙂
Suggestion 1- Podcasts from out and about in nature. Describe the area and it’s features. Out on a boat, possibly over a few drinks, power, sail, kayak, whatever. In the forest or rainforest. Hiking.
Suggestion 2- Take an interesting guest with you to do Interviews with folks who are responsible for our food supply. Farmers, ranchers, processors, truckers, veterans, etc. (kind of a 2-fer, the guest with you, or on your way, then, both of you and your questions for the other person) Not Big Ag or corporate unless needed, real people and their stories, techniques, opinions, and knowledge/tips. Find out why our children and schools are malnourished. Their brains and immune systems aren’t working properly, food, allergies, and medications are why. Not having healthy foods in schools is robbing future generations, and ultimately, the country.
Suggestion 3- Interviews that challenge the officials responsible for farming, regulation, departments of education, veteran’s affairs, logistics, mental health, etc. Offer to help them fix roadblocks and their issues. Your audience is vast, and capable, of helping out and/or pitching in to make a difference. I will.
I’m starting a blog soon focused on preventing foreigners (mostly Americans and Canadians) from being taken advantage of when purchasing property and/or doing business here. I’ll be challenging some folks haha.
Keep up the good work.
Salud!
i suggest for the 90/10 barbell strategy that you occasionally pick a random country and select some one who is 90% there but likely unknown to the majority of your audience.