Fuckin’ A–it’s finally here!
After fantasizing about starting a podcast for nearly two years, after being asked hundreds of times, The Tim Ferriss Show is now live.
Sometimes you have to stop over-thinking things, bite the bullet, and figure it out as you go.
To launch, I’ve posted two episodes that are vastly different. They are available on iTunes and, for Android folks, Stitcher.
I have an important favor to ask, which I don’t do often:
1) Please listen to one or both episodes.
2) Then, PLEASE leave a review on iTunes.
I will read EVERY review and, based on that feedback, I’ll either stop or keep doing this podcast.
If you seem to like them, I promise to do at least 6 total episodes in the next 1-2 months. And trust me: I have some amazing people lined up and ready to go. Constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement are welcome, whether on iTunes or in the comments below.
All that said, here are the first two episodes! I really hope you enjoy them.
EPISODE 1: KEVIN ROSE
I consider Kevin Rose one of the best “stock pickers” in the startup world. He can predict even non-tech trends with stunning accuracy.
Kevin is a tech entrepreneur who co-founded Digg, Revision3 (sold to Discovery Channel), Pownce, and Milk (sold to Google). Since 2012, he is a venture partner at Google Ventures. He’s also a hilarious dude, and this episode involves heavy drinking.
In this finding-my-feet episode, Kevin and I get down on a bottle of Gamling and McDuck while discussing, among dozens of topics: why Kevin would love to work at McDonald’s, how he kicked my ass on the Twitter deal, and — just a wee tad — biohacking.
Dive in, folks!
It’s the first episode of The Tim Ferriss Show! Listen to it here, and please subscribe!
EPISODE 2: JOSH WAITZKIN
Josh Waitzkin was the basis for the book and movie Searching for Bobby Fischer.
Considered a chess prodigy, he has perfected learning strategies that can be applied to anything, including his other loves of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (he’s a black belt under phenom Marcelo Garcia) and Tai Chi Push Hands (he’s a world champion). These days, he spends his time coaching the world’s top performers, whether Mark Messier, Cal Ripken Jr., or hedgefund managers. I initially met Josh through his incredible book, The Art of Learning, which I loved so much that I helped produce the audiobook (download here, at Audible or DRM-free Gumroad).
This episode is DEEP, in the best way possible. Josh will blow your mind.
And for a change from Episode 1, I’m totally sober. I’d be curious to know which Tim you prefer.
Listen to it here, and please subscribe!
Show Notes for Episodes 1 and 2
Special thanks to my friend Ian for helping with show notes. Much obliged, kind sir.
These notes only partially cover the conversations, but they will give you a taste.
EPISODE 1: KEVIN ROSE
What makes a good wine bar?
The story of Kevin Rose: Growing up in Vegas, starting Digg, joining Google Ventures, and beyond
What makes Kevin Rose so good at predicting what’s next, spotting trends
The characteristics of winners. What makes a successful angel investor?
Hear the story of Odeo – The company that birthed Twitter
Tips on choosing angel investments
“What new app will find itself on the front screen of your iPhone?”
Dissecting the success of Philip Rosedale, Elon Musk and — the “Oracle of Silicon Valley” — Reid Hoffman
How to say no to an investment or pitch
Experiences and lessons learned running the roller coaster of Digg
Where is Kevin Rose world-class? Which skills define his success?
The M7 chip on iPhone – An opportunity to build new apps
Learn more about My Basis, a biometric company that Tim invested in [Update: sold to Intuit for $100M]
Why Kevin wants to get a job at McDonald’s
Ideas and suggestions for the podcast. Where should it go, and how should it be different?
SOME LINKS FROM EPISODE 1
Learn more about Digg
Nextdoor – Private Social Network for your Neighborhood
Watch the Philip Rosedale interview on Foundation
Pick up Venture Deals by Brad Feld
Check out Hotel Biron – Kevin’s fave tiny wine bar in San Francisco
Visit Zuni Cafe – Get the dry-brined roasted chicken
Learn more about Apple’s new M7 Chip
Get health insights from MyBasis
Any many more….
Connect with Kevin Rose: Instagram | Twitter | Website
EPISODE 2: JOSH WAITZKIN
Show Notes:
The origins of The Art of Learning.
What it takes to play 30-50 games of chess simultaneously (!).
About Josh’s focus on moving from world-class to world champion. How to cross the gap between the two
The many dimensions of Josh Waitzkin’s creative life:
Family
JW Foundation – The Art of Learning Project
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) school with Marcelo Garcia
Consulting for “Master of the Universe”-type financiers; what commonalities the best have
About the learning (and UNlearning) processes that distinguish the good from the great and from the elite
Insights on the strategic movement from Tai Chi to BJJ
About the profound kinesthetic intelligence of Marcelo Garcia and how he uses it to “navigate the world”
A deep understanding of what makes world-class performers tick and thrive
“If you can really train people to get systematic about nurturing their creative process, it’s unbelievable what can happen. Most of that work relates to getting out of your own way at a very high level. It’s unlearning, it’s the constant practice of subtraction, reducing friction.” – Josh Waitzkin
Strategies for aligning peak energy periods with peak creativity to achieve a relentless, proactive lifestyle
On Hemingway’s creative writing process:
End the workday with something left to write
Release your mind from the work – Let Go
Understanding cognitive biases
Understanding how to use specific questions for deconstruction (e.g. “Who’s good at this who shouldn’t be?”)
Core themes/habits that Josh teaches to top performers:
Meditation | Journaling | “Undulation” (Capacity to turn drive on and off)
How Josh Waitzkin meditates
Meditation styles: contemplative Buddhist sitting meditation, Tai Chi and moving meditation.
What Josh’s morning rituals look like
Why you should study the artists rather than the art critics.
Remember to love.
“The hero and the coward both feel the same thing, but the hero uses his fear and projects it onto his opponent, while the coward runs.” – Cus D’Amato, original trainer of Mike Tyson
Links:
JW Foundation – The Art of Learning Project
Check out Hemingway on Good Reads
Learn more about BJJ school of Marcelo Garcia
Identify your own biases: List of Cognitive Biases
Check out the article Tim mentioned: Bridgewater Associates founder, Ray Dalio, credits transcendental meditation for his success
“One of the things we have to be wary in life is studying the people who study the artists, as opposed to the artists themselves” – Josh Waitzkin
The Waitzkin Library:
On the Road – Jack Kerouac
Dharma Bums – Jack Kerouac
Tao te Ching – Lao Tzu Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English Translation
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert M. Pirsig
Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts
For Whom the Bell Tolls – Ernest Hemingway
Green Hills of Africa – Ernest Hemingway
Complete Collection of Short Stories – Ernest Hemingway
Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemingway
A Moveable Feast – Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway on Writing - Larry W. Phillips
