Bounce! Conversations with Larry Weeks

A podcast on challenges. Listen to conversations with thought leaders from a variety of fields to get their experiences, ideas or research on how people or companies handle present-day challenges or problematic futures.

Ep. 82: The Divided Brain: Iain McGilchrist On How We See The World 11/29/2024

Ep. 81: The Power of Curiosity: A.J. Jacobs on Living the Constitution and Bridging Differences 09/13/2024

Ep. 81: The Power of Curiosity: A.J. Jacobs on Living the Constitution and Bridging Differences A.J. Jacobs is a renowned writer and participatory journalist, best known for his immersive, experiment-driven projects that push the boundaries of immersive learning. From living according to the Ten Commandments to exploring radical honesty, A.J. dives headfirst into his experiments, bringing humor and insight into everything he does. His latest endeavor? An exploration of the U.S. Constitution, attempting to live by its original meaning. A.J. is no stranger to this podcast—this is his second appearance, and if you missed our previous conversation, I highly recommend checking out Life As Experiment: A.J. Jacobs – Lessons From Living On The Edge. It's one of my favorites, offering a deeper dive into A.J.’s life and wild approach to self-experimentation. In his latest book, The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning, A.J. documents his year-long quest to embody the Constitution in its original context. From carrying a musket in New York City to using a quill pen, he immerses himself in the mindset of the Founding Fathers, bringing history to life in ways you’d never expect. In this episode, A.J. and I talk about his experiences, the surprises he encountered, and why curiosity is more vital than ever. Whether you're fired up about politics or just curious about how the past continues to shape our present, you’ll love this conversation. Our conversation includes: The role of curiosity in A.J.'s life and work. A.J.’s immersive journalism. Past experiments like practicing radical honesty. Acting "as if" Curiosity as key to personal and professional growth. A.J.'s latest book and his experiences living 18th-century standards. The balance between rights and responsibilities as understood by the Founding Fathers. The original intent of free speech, its historical limits on sedition, and its modern implications in the age of social media. How the office of the U.S. president has evolved beyond what the Founding Fathers envisioned. Strategies for engaging in productive conversations with opposing views. Epistemic humility—recognizing that no one is always right. The future of society and existential risks, with insights from A.J.'s participation in the Longview Conference. I hope this episode inspires you to be more open and curious, and question your assumptions. Life is one big experiment—full of choices, tests, and lessons that help us grow and adapt. Keep exploring! Enjoy! For show notes and more, visit /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/33045822

Ep.80: Your Crypto or Your Life. Nat Eliason: Financial Frenzies and Mindful Living 07/01/2024

Ep.79: Mind and Matter: Christof Koch on What Consciousness Is and How to Expand It 05/29/2024

Ep.79: Mind and Matter: Christof Koch on What Consciousness Is and How to Expand It Christof Koch is a pioneering computational neuroscientist and neurophysiologist best known for his groundbreaking work on the neural basis of consciousness. He collaborated with Francis Crick, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, to establish a neurobiological framework for understanding consciousness. Christof served as the President and Chief Scientist of the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle and continues his work there as a Meritorious Investigator. He is also the Chief Scientist of the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation in Santa Monica, CA, which funds research aimed at alleviating suffering, anxiety, and other forms of distress in people worldwide. Christof has authored over five books on consciousness, with his latest being "Then I Am Myself the World: What Consciousness Is and How to Expand It." This book delves into the subject of consciousness through the lenses of physics, psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and computer science, as well as Christof’s personal experiences exploring his consciousness. In this episode, Christof dives deep into what might explain the origin of consciousness and existing contradictions. We explore how our minds construct reality, the wonder of experience, and the profound implications of Integrated Information Theory. Christof also reflects on the importance of mindfulness, the power of belief, and the ongoing debate on free will. Our conversation includes: The origin of consciousness and the “Hard Problem Integrated Information Theory (IIT) How far down the phylogenetic tree consciousness might go The mind-body problem: physical structures and subjective experiences Panpsychism and how consciousness might be a fundamental aspect of matter. Qualities of experience and the perception box Mind-melding and the “uber” consciousness Why AI or any compute-based system may never be sentient The boundaries of consciousness and the dissolution of self The notion of "mind at large" Christoph’s experiences with psychedelics Free will My hope is that this episode gives you a sense of awe about your mind so that you look at life and your experiences with a bit more wonder. Enjoy! For show notes and more, visit /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/31517947

Ep. 78: Beyond the Apple Legend: Guy Kawasaki on Remarkable Journeys with Remarkable People 04/11/2024

Ep. 78: Beyond the Apple Legend: Guy Kawasaki on Remarkable Journeys with Remarkable People Guy Kawasaki is a pioneering figure in Silicon Valley, celebrated marketing icon, and successful serial entrepreneur. Guy was one of the original Apple employees responsible for launching their Macintosh computer line in 1984 - and then revitalizing Apple again in the 90s when it faced market share challenges from Microsoft and IBM. His role at Apple popularized the term evangelism in marketing and technology. He is an executive fellow of the Haas School of Business (UC Berkeley), and host of the popular Remarkable People podcast. Guy has written over 16 best-selling books, including Wise Guy, The Art of the Start 2.0, The Art of Social Media, Enchantment, and his latest - Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference is part of our conversation. Guy was an absolute delight and game for a wide-ranging chat. Our conversation points include: Guy’s pathfinder career, from an unwilling law student to reluctant med student to passionate business leader. On family expectations and perspectives on “quitting.” His stint in the jewelry business. On selling as a fundamental life skill beyond just business. Guy reflects on his time at Apple. Working under Steve Jobs. The transformation of tech sales. Apple’s struggles and resurgence in the 90s Guy's innovation of the email newsletter (via listserver) during his second stint at Apple Insights into the power of maintaining a positive narrative during Apple's turnaround On Artificial Intelligence. His views on social media and what he uses now platforms. Writing and Podcasting: Guy shares insights into his writing process. The resilience of remarkable individuals inspired by stories from his book and podcast. Guy Kawasaki's story is one of passion pursuit, intellectual curiosity, and a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact. His work continues to inspire a new generation of thinkers, innovators, and creators. Enjoy! For show notes and more, visit /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/30788603

Ep. 77: Hit or Miss? Merrick Furst on Business Innovation, Customer Illusion, and the Challenge of Authentic Demand 04/04/2024

Ep. 77: Hit or Miss? Merrick Furst on Business Innovation, Customer Illusion, and the Challenge of Authentic Demand Outside of the purely physical and physiological, nothing is more challenging than the world of entrepreneurship and business, especially when facing customer indifference and figuring out market demand—the delicate balance between innovation and market reality. How do you do that? Professor Merrick L. Furst runs commercialization and new venture creation and directs undergraduate programs and faculty development in the College of Computing at Georgia Tech. Before GT, he was a professor at UC Berkeley, president of the International Computer Science Institute at Berkeley, and CEO of Essential Surfing Gear, Inc., which was sold in 2000, and anti-botnet startup Damballa. Earlier, he was a professor and associate dean at the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon. Mark is also known for seminal research in algorithms, complexity theory, and AI. He co-invented probabilistic circuit analysis and planning graphs, which are considered among the most influential breakthroughs in the field of AI planning. Merrick is also the author of The Heart of Innovation: A Field Guide for Navigating to Authentic Demand, which is the touchstone for this podcast. On the show, we discuss the challenges every business faces in creating products that truly meet customer needs. A brief chat about AI. Why and how products fail. Real reasons vs. stated reasons people buy. On the "curse of knowledge" Validation vs innovation. Authentic demand: sussing alternatives to not purchasing or using a product/service "Non-indifference" as an indicator of authentic demand. Observing vs listening and the problem with surveys. How to question assumptions. Product development and market match. The need for humility and open-mindedness. As we explore these diverse topics, Merricks’ unique approach offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, technologists, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of business, technology, and human behavior. Enjoy! For show notes and more, visit /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/30688428

Ep. 76: An Unconventional Path: Derek Sivers on Useful Beliefs, Pragmatic Positivity and Embracing Randomness 02/12/2024

Ep.75: Reflective Happiness: David Myers on Self Perception, Fear, Money and Micro-Friendships 01/31/2024

Ep.75: Reflective Happiness: David Myers on Self Perception, Fear, Money and Micro-Friendships "To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom." - Socrates This podcast is about understanding ourselves a bit better. We'll be exploring insights into what makes us happy as it relates to self-perception, and the various intricate connections between our minds, bodies, and social interactions. My guest on the show is social psychologist David Myers, known for his extensive work in communicating psychological science to both students and the general public. His academic contributions, supported by National Science Foundation have been published in prestigious journals like Science and American Psychologist. David has made psychological research accessible through articles in magazines such as Scientific American and through seventeen books, including both general interest and textbooks. David is best known for his textbook on psychology which is one of the most widely used psychology textbooks in the world. He is also the author of several popular books, including one of the first on happiness called The Pursuit of Happiness: Discovering the Pathway to Fulfillment, Well-Being, and Enduring Personal Joy published in 1993 David’s newest book, "How Do We Know Ourselves?: Curiosities and Marvels of the Human Mind" is the topic of this show. Our conversation covers a wide array of psychology topics including: A bit about David’s background. We revisit happiness and the latest findings in that field. The relationship between happiness and income. Goal setting and the material trap The benefits of religion and religious engagement paradox. Self-Perception Theory. Body-mind effects. Micro-Friendships: The significant mood boost from brief, positive interactions with strangers. We touch on fear Misplaced Fears: How we skew risk perceptions. The power of reframing and its effectiveness in Brief Interventions. Enjoy For show notes and more visit /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/29726788

Ep. 74: Trance as a Tool: Dr. David Spiegel on the History and Evidence-Based Benefits of Hypnosis 12/16/2023

Ep. 73: A Post Career World: Bruce Feiler On The Reinvention of Work 10/30/2023

Ep. 72: The Irrational: Dan Ariely On The Mechanics of Misbelief 10/13/2023

Ep. 71: Clearing The Fog: Shane Parrish On Clarity In Decision-Making and Transforming Knowledge Into Wisdom 09/27/2023

Ep. 71: Clearing The Fog: Shane Parrish On Clarity In Decision-Making and Transforming Knowledge Into Wisdom "Often circumstances think for us, we don't really have a choice. And anybody who puts themselves in a bad position has no good options available. So a lot of the work involved in a decision comes before the actual decision is made." In decision-making, clarity is a critical element, if not the fundamental purpose; it reduces errors and facilitates confident, effective choice-making. In this episode, my guest sheds light on how to get clarity in decision-making, and I'll add, how to transform knowledge into wisdom. Shane Parrish is a former cybersecurity expert at Canada's top intelligence agency turned thought leader. He is the mind behind Farnam Street, a site that's very popular among the innovator and investor class that draws on a variety of thinkers from Lao Tsu and Emerson to Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. Shane is also acclaimed for his bestselling series on mental models titled "The Great Mental Models Volume 1: General Thinking Concepts", Volume 2: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology", and "Volume 3: Systems and Mathematics." And his latest book, "Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Results," is the topic of this podcast. Listen in as we dive into how to think more clearly and, in doing so, make better decisions. Discussion highlights include: The origin of Farnham Street and the influence of Berkshire Hathaway The problem with living life on 'autopilot' The importance of deep understanding. Recognizing 'ego default' and its role in clouded decision-making. Writing as a tool for clear thinking Decision lessons from everyday moments The importance of pre-decision positioning Explanation of the Learning Loop How to incorporate intuition in decision-making. How to get quality feedback input from experienced individuals. Safety nets: using rules and processes to enhance decision-making On mental models. How to think in reverse Separating problem identification from problem-solving The morning review: a method for decision validation I believe you're going to find this episode very insightful and incredibly useful. Listen carefully, as it's not just about gathering knowledge; it's about applying it in a way that brings clarity to our complex world. For show notes and more, visit /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/28153064

Ep. 70: Between Life and Death: Hadley Vlahos on Hospice care, End-of-Life Moments and Embracing Mortality 08/21/2023

Ep. 70: Between Life and Death: Hadley Vlahos on Hospice care, End-of-Life Moments and Embracing Mortality The world of hospice nursing has always been a profound intersection of life and death, revealing lessons not only about the journey of mortality but also about the true essence of living in the shadow of it. On this Podcast, my guest is Hadley Vlahos or simply Nurse Hadley. Hadley is not just a seasoned hospice nurse but also an end-of-life educator and now a New York Times bestselling author. Her journey and her experiences became the foundation for her bestselling work, The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments. The book captures deep, poignant stories from her time with patients, giving insights into what life's final moments can teach us about existence itself. Beyond her written work, Hadley has taken a step further with her nonprofit respite hospice house. This sanctuary is conceptualized to offer families a peaceful environment to remember and celebrate their loved ones. In today's episode, we cover these topic points : Her journey from young mother to nurse and from hospice nurse to author. Hadley's experiences where patients stated and acted out as if they were seeing their deceased loved ones - and what they reveal about end-of-life encounters. The enigma of the "in-between moments" and their interpretations. Our shared narratives on the afterlife and my skepticism. Some common and not-so-common regrets of the dying How Hadley thinks about death and how she tries to live her life in its shadow And lastly, the practicalities of hospice, from deciding when it's time to seek hospice care to understanding the intricacies of coverage. Despite the heavy nature of the topic, this episode is remarkably life-affirming. Many thinkers, from philosophers to psychologists, have advocated that understanding our own mortality paves the way to a richer, fuller life. Today's discussion provides not just a touch of emotional depth but also very practical advice that is invaluable to hear in advance of ever needing it. For show notes and more, visit /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/27813978

Ep. 69: Neil deGrasse Tyson on Cosmic Perspectives, Aliens, AI and Thinking Scientifically 07/06/2023

Ep. 68: Defeating Delay: Dr. Tim Pychyl On Solving the Procrastination Puzzle 06/23/2023

Ep. 67: How To Get Unstuck: Adam Alter On The Structure Of Breakthroughs 06/09/2023

Ep. 67: How To Get Unstuck: Adam Alter On The Structure Of Breakthroughs Getting stuck is inevitable. I hope you find yourself getting stuck only rarely, but when you do, know that breakthroughs aren't too far behind - Adam Alter Today we are going to look at the challenges of creative blocks, inertia, and the accompanying feeling of being stuck, whether it be a project, product, or personal life, and, more importantly, when we find ourselves in these states - how to get unstuck, what is the step by step structure of a breakthrough. My guest is Professor Adam Alter. Adam Alter is a Professor of Marketing at New York University's Stern School of Business and the Robert Stansky Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow, with an affiliated appointment in the New York University Psychology Department. Adam is the New York Times bestselling author of two books: Irresistible (March 2017) and Drunk Tank Pink (2013), and his latest which is also the topic of the podcast - Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most Adam has also written for the New York Times, New Yorker, Washington Post, Atlantic, WIRED, Slate, Huffington Post, and Popular Science, among other publications. Adam's academic research focuses on judgment, decision-making, and social psychology, with a particular interest in the surprising effects of subtle environmental cues on human cognition and behavior. His research has been published widely in academic journals and featured in dozens of TV, radio, and print outlets worldwide. In this episode, we delve into these subjects: The commonality of creative blocks why progress isn't always a straight line. How Our reactions to being stuck might be the real problem. The process of getting unstuck can lead to valuable advancements. Why the creative process is often lengthy and messy, contrary to many people's expectations. Why breakthroughs often seem accidental and come after hitting a wall. Do breakthroughs happen more commonly in a group (remote work) Does creativity decline over time? Breakthrough tactics, including the "friction audit." The role of environment in creativity and progress is significant. The use of AI as it relates to creative blocks. When should someone quit vs. persist - and much more For show notes and more, visit /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/27092343

Ep. 66: AI. Progress or Peril? Pedro Domingos On Where We Are Now and What's Next. 05/10/2023

Ep. 66: AI. Progress or Peril? Pedro Domingos On Where We Are Now and What's Next. "Learn to use AI. That's, that's my message. You wanna learn to use AI as a professional and as a citizen in your personal life. The more you know how to use it, the better you'll make of it, the better your life will be. AI gives power; like any technology, it gives power to those who understand it and use it" - Pedro Domingos Recent developments in AI, specifically consumer-facing generative AIs, are helping people create a lot of cool content while also generating a ton of concern. A big bucket of that concern is AI alignment - what are the possible unintended consequences to humans? The internet transformed our relationship to information, but it took a few years; now, AI is doing it in real time. My guest on this episode is Professor Pedro Domingos. Pedro is a leading AI researcher and the author of the worldwide bestseller "The Master Algorithm." He is a professor of computer science at the University of Washington in Seattle. He won the Special Interest Group on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining Innovation Award and the international joint Conference on AI John McCarthy Award, two of the highest honors in data science and AI. Pedro helped start the fields of statistical relational AI, data stream mining, adversarial learning, machine learning for information integration, and influence maximization in social networks. On this episode, we run the gamut to include... Where are we with generative AIs Pedro demystifies LLMs (Large Language Models) Progress and problems with generative AIs Hallucination in AI - and Illusion in humans The homunculus fallacy Risks, regulations, known-unknowns Comments on existential threats The S curve in emerging technologies like AI AI's possible impact on employment and the economy Artificial General Intellience or AGI Goals and end games, is AGI the goal? Does he think LLMs AI's like ChatGPT are conscious? No matter your technical level, you'll enjoy this discussion with Pedro. He is passionate about the subject matter, no surprise - much of what he's predicted has come to pass in the field, And if you feel a tinge of AI anxiety, consider this a bit of exposure therapy. Listen and learn more about how these systems work and how they might impact your life. For show notes and more, visit /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/26801547

Ep. 65: Kevin Kelly With Excellent Advice For Living. 04/27/2023

Ep.64: Reboot Part 1: Jerry Colonna On Crucible Moments and Starting Over 04/17/2023

Ep.64: Reboot Part 1: Jerry Colonna On Crucible Moments and Starting Over "When we surface subroutines when we surface belief systems, we unleash a certain kind of potential, a certain kind of energy that enables us to do the one thing that a leader must do every day. Be creative" - Jerry Colonna Jerry Colonna, often referred to as the 'CEO whisperer,' is the co-founder of Reboot.io, an executive coaching and leadership development firm dedicated to the notion that better humans make better leaders. For nearly 20 years, he has used the knowledge gained as an investor, an executive, and a board member for more than 100 organizations to help entrepreneurs and others lead with humanity, resilience, and equanimity. Prior to his career as a coach, Jerry was a partner with JPMorgan Partners (JPMP), the private equity arm of JPMorgan Chase. Previously, he led New York City-based Flatiron Partners, which he founded in 1996 with partner Fred Wilson, which became one of the nation's most successful early-stage investment programs. He is also the author of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up, which is also the touchstone for our conversation. There is something about Jerry. In 2017, WIRED published a piece on Jerry wherein this was written titled “This Man Makes Founders Cry.” I don’t know if it’s how he talks or looks at you, but when talking with him, I felt some sort of sympathetic energy field; it was like a psychic hand on the shoulder. When we spoke, I was dealing with a monster of a cold, coupled with Jerry’s superpower, turned this conversation into a coaching session of sorts. Jerry talks about leadership and crucible moments, moments that can be transformative, leading to a new or altered sense of identity. These moments often put our character to the test. If you are in any state of upheaval or change or know someone who is, please listen. Not just for the excellent advice, but there is something beneficial about hearing this level of empathy in someone’s voice. On the show, we discuss these topics and more … State of leadership currently Why Jerry has a reputation for making people cry Jerry's story, leaving JP Morgan How to leaders can deal with uncertainty in business The importance of soft skills coupled with hard skills Separating genius from personality Breaking open vs. shutting down What "rebooting" means What do first when you're laid off Mountain equanimity Work as an opportunity to become better humans If you are in any state of upheaval or change or know someone who is, please listen. Not just for the excellent advice, but there is something beneficial about hearing this level of empathy in someone's voice. Enjoy! For show notes and more, visit /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/26498253

EP. 63: How To Live More and Think Less. Dr. Pia Callesen On Metacognitive Approaches To A Happier Life 03/31/2023

EP. 62: How Emotions Are Made: Lisa Feldman Barrett On The Neuroscience of Feeling 03/17/2023

EP. 61: A Reason Why: Dr. William Damon On Purpose And The Benefits Of A Life Review. 03/03/2023

EP. 60: The Upside of Uncertainty: Embracing the Unknown With Nathan and Susannah Harmon Furr 01/22/2023

Ep. 59: Life Is Hard: Kieran Setiya On How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way. 12/10/2022

EP. 58: YOUR BRAIN ON DEPRESSION: DR. JOHN KRYSTAL ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS, PSYCHEDELICS, AND KETAMINE THERAPY 11/17/2022

EP. 58: YOUR BRAIN ON DEPRESSION: DR. JOHN KRYSTAL ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS, PSYCHEDELICS, AND KETAMINE THERAPY On this podcast, we're going to talk about Brain Chemistry, specifically, what happens in our brains when we are traumatized, severely depressed, or anxious. And for those stuck in that state, what are the latest clinical treatments using medication, that can help someone get unstuck. My guest on this episode is the distinguished Dr. John Krystal MD. Dr. Krystal is the Professor of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Psychology; Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Yale University; and Chief of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Dr. Krystal is a leading expert in the areas of alcoholism, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. His work links psychopharmacology, neuroimaging, molecular genetics, and computational neuroscience to study the neurobiology and treatment of these disorders. He is best known for leading the discovery of the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine in depressed patients. He is the co-founder and Chief Scientific Advisor of Freedom Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology platform developing next-generation ketamine and psychedelic therapeutics that recently emerged from stealth in August 2022. On this show, we cover topics that include ... The neurobiology of a depressed brain The relationship between thought and brain chemistry Anxiety and its connection to depression Pharmacology; getting into the various medications for treating depression. How antidepressants were discovered The efficacy of current antidepressants The neuroscience of psychedelics in the treatment of severe depression and PTSD Ketamine therapy; benefits, risks, and treatment protocols (the different delivery mechanisms, dosages, etc.) Since we do talk about substances like ketamine which has psychedelic-like properties, here is a disclaimer: I'm NOT a doctor, nor do I play one on the interwebs. None of the content in this podcast constitutes medical advice or should be construed as a recommendation to use any medications mentioned. There are psychological, physical, and sometimes legal risks with usage. Please consult your doctor before considering anything we discuss in this episode. All right, that all said, here is more information for you to consider. Enjoy! Much more For show notes and more, visit www.larryweeks.com /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/25055982

Ep.57: DEALING WITH THE HIGH-CONFLICT PERSONALITY: DR.LINDSAY GIBSON ON THE EMOTIONALLY IMMATURE 10/31/2022

EP. 56: YOUR BRAIN ON GRIEF: MARY-FRANCIS O’CONNOR ON LEARNING FROM LOSS 08/03/2022

EP. 55: AN EXPERIMENTAL LIFE: A.J. JACOBS, LESSONS FROM RADICAL LIFESTYLE CHANGES 06/10/2022

EP. 55: AN EXPERIMENTAL LIFE: A.J. JACOBS, LESSONS FROM RADICAL LIFESTYLE CHANGES My guest is AJ jacobs A.J. Jacobs is an author, journalist, lecturer, and human guinea pig. His strategy as a writer is to dive into something he’s curious about and actually live it. He has written ten books, four of which are New York Times bestsellers that combine memoir, science, humor, and a dash of self-help. His most recent book is The Puzzler: One Man's Quest to Solve the Most Baffling Puzzles Ever, from Crosswords to Jigsaws to the Meaning of Life. AJ is also editor-at-large at Esquire magazine, a commentator on NPR, and a columnist for Mental Floss magazine. He has appeared on Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, The Dr. Oz Show, Conan, and The Colbert Report. He has given several TED talks, including ones about living biblically, creating a one-world family, and living healthily. The viewership count of the two I saw was over 6M combined. On the podcast, I probe into his life experiments so we cover… How I came across his work in Esquire We cover some of his more notable experiments What he took away from reading the entire Encyclopedia Britannica in his quest to learn everything in the world. The hilarious problems with being radically honest What he learned from living the rules of the old testament for a year - in Manhattan He discusses which of his experiments was the most profound and life-changing We talk about why being grateful is hard and what he learned about gratitude from thanking over 1,000 people How we have the happiness equation backward, We talk about his latest book and the benefits of puzzles What mazes have to do with psychological flexibility I always strive for the meaningful on the show, but sometimes that can lean toward a bit of the somber - which is fine - but it is wonderful when you can get a guest like AJ who is breezy, funny, AND profound; hard to pull that off but he does it. I instantly liked him - I think you will too. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/bouncewlarryweeks/id/23378138

EP.54: LIFE IS SHORT, TO-DO LISTS ARE LONG: OLIVER BURKEMAN ON TIME MANAGEMENT FOR MORTALS 05/20/2022

EP. 53: THE POWER OF FRIENDS: ROBIN DUNBAR ON OUR MOST IMPORTANT NUMBER 03/09/2022

Bounce! Conversations with Larry Weeks

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