Never Past Your Prime

In this episode, we examine how Ronaldo’s struggles to hold on to the identity of “best player in the world” are leading him to some…unsavory behavior. We also look at why we create our most cherished identities in the first place, and how recognizing the identity component of others’ behavior can lead to compassion rather than judgment.

In this episode, we continue our series on identity by discussing the perils of letting others create an identity for us or doing the same to someone else. We also talk about how the word “sometimes” is a subtle but powerful escape route from any identity trap.

In this episode, we discuss why our identities cause pain for ourselves and our loved ones. We also talk about how learning this can lead to some of the most liberating experiences one can have.

In this episode, we talk about how common it is for people to hold themselves to a standard of either perfection or no action when pursuing nutrition or fitness goals. We talk about why this is sub-optimal, and how to use the “always something” mindset instead.

In this episode, I talk about the powerful emotional release (and subsequent benefits) I’ve experienced since participating in a breathwork and ayahuasca retreat in March 2024.

In this episode, we discuss hunger through the lens of “animalistic urges” we’re expected to master, like not biting or hitting someone who upsets us. We also cover three experiments that can help you hone the skill of “mastering mild hunger,” which I believe to be vital for a healthy relationship with food and one’s body.

In this episode, a share a key insight from a recent ayahuasca retreat.

In this episode, I share an embarrassing story that illustrates how much one particular video game used to have an almost unique ability to make me angry. I also share the Zen Buddhist (non-meditative) practice that helped me overcome reactivity with this issue. Luckily, this method can be used with just about anything that provokes an overreaction.

In this episode, we discuss “identity stressors,” chronic stress-inducing tendencies that lead us to suffer despite not actually being life-threatening. We also cover developing “response flexibility,” a method for overcoming these identity stressors.

In this episode, we examine why we’re so blind to the negative effects of chronic stress. As a useful and optimistic parallel, we also look at how attitudes and policies regarding smoking cigarettes have changed in the past few decades. Perhaps a less-stressed future is inevitable!

In this episode, I share two stories to highlight specifically that physical pain doesn’t need a physical cause. We also touch upon the idea of pain as a messenger, but one we often misinterpret.

In this episode, we discuss how the link between stress/emotional trauma and physical pain has historically been dismissed, and why that’s a mistake. Luckily, that is changing. For example, research has shown that there is no correlation between back pain and structural abnormalities of the spine. So, many medical professionals now recommend AGAINST X-rays for low back pain, saying that it can ultimately delay a patient’s recovery.

In this episode, we look at a recent meta-analysis of one-rep max strength testing and the lack of data supporting the practice of using dental floss to discuss the value of both individual experience and scientific studies.

In this episode, we discuss the perils of clinging to the past and believing thoughts that say things will never be as good as the used to be. Great news…those thoughts are wrong!

In this episode, we discuss how common goal setting methods often lead to totally avoidable mental anguish, and what you can do instead.

In this episode, we examine some common phrases people use when setting goals, like “lose weight,” or “tone up.” We talk about how these terms contain hidden assumptions that may make people who use them less likely to achieve their goals, as well as what to say instead.

In this follow-up piece to December 4th’s episode, I discuss the challenges and benefits of deliberately avoiding using my iPhone outside of work hours. Enjoy!

In this episode, we talk about how the pressure to give gifts can ruin the magic of generosity. We also discuss the benefits of a “no-gifts” policy with loved ones.

In this week’s episode, we depart from last week’s philosophical heaviness contemplating the meaning of life, to something far less consequential. Division-III soccer.

In this episode, we discuss that favorite question of our species, “What is the meaning of life?” from both a religious and non-religious angle. Enjoy!

In this episode, we talk about a concept called “national gratitude,” and why it’s less likely to lead to violence and other issues than its cousin, national pride.

Synchronicities are fun reminders that we’re part of an interconnected universe, functioning in ways we don’t understand. In this episode, I share a cool story of a synchronistic event that happened after a recent soccer game, and left me feeling quite humbled and grateful.

In this episode, we dive into beliefs, expectations, and pre-conceived notions in relationships. We talk about how they can harm partnerships, one phrase you should avoid, and simple rules of thumb for relationship satisfaction.

In this episode, we talk about why only allowing individuals (rather than organizations) to make ANY political donations would massively improve the state of politics in the U.S.

In this episode, we examine something many people take for granted: that the U.S. is more politically divided than ever. Survey data (and anecdotal evidence) both suggest that this isn’t true. What a relief!

In this episode, I use a combination of neuroscience research on infants and my admittedly anecdotal experiences from meditation retreats to make the case that no person is intrinsically bad, and that innate evil doesn’t exist.

In this episode, we discuss reactivity in interpersonal situations, and I go through a checklist that can help us determine if another person’s behavior is showing us something we’d like to work on within ourselves.

In this episode, I share the story of the worst job I ever had as a way to highlight how the value proposition of a college education has changed over the years. I also discuss a key reason why older generations may feel more affection towards their respective alma maters…and it’s not rising tuition costs!

In the final installment of this two-part series, we discuss the vast difference in offseason length between the NBA, NFL, and MLB compared to European soccer. We also dive into the surprising economic implications of this.

In this week’s episode, we discuss the worsening injury epidemic in professional soccer. We cover the culture of overtraining that makes this possible and cite multiple key examples. Part 2 will cover what we can do about it.

In the finale of our 3-part series on drugs, we talk about the balance between enjoyment of and dependence on substances and activities. We also discuss a couple simple experiments and small mental shifts that can help us avoid dependence.

In Part 2 of our 3-part series on drugs, I share the details of my first experience with psilocybin mushrooms in 2017.

In this episode, we discuss society’s drug of choice-alcohol. We talk about its ego-enhancing effects, and examine whether “sober you” or “drunk you” is more “real.”

In this episode, I discuss my experiences watching “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” in the same weekend. The surprising takeaway was the number of parallels between “Barbie” and “non-duality” a key component of Eastern religion and philosophy.

In this episode, we discuss what the World Health Organization’s classification of aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” actually means. As ever, nuance is necessary, and moderation is the answer.

This is a follow up to last week’s episode, “Is it okay to say that?” In it, we discuss “euphemistic evolution,” or how societal language standards change over time. We also discuss the responsibility we bear for our words, and the power they have.

In this episode, we discuss a chant heard during soccer games featuring Mexico’s national team. FIFA has labeled it homophobic, and we explore why its usage has persisted despite nearly a decade-long effort to educate fans and convince them to stop using it.

In this episode, we talk about how a focus on small details often detracts from our goals. It uses up valuable time and energy that would be better spent focused on the basics. Many people fall into this trap when pursuing their nutrition goals.

In this episode, we look at dieting behavior through a non-traditional lens…eastern philosophy. Enjoy!

In this episode, we explore the origin and utility of guilt. We also talk about what to do when intrusive thought patterns arise, particularly ones that tell us we’re “bad” or “inadequate.” Here’s a tip…don’t believe them!

In this episode, we explore a practice called “staying in the gap,” that I discovered while reading about the “Ten Fetters” model of Buddhism. This seemingly spiritual practice has a surprising practical relevance to maintaining one’s ideal weight.

In this episode, we explore the ways in which Ozempic could be a true game- changer in the world or weight loss, and under which circumstances one could use it responsibly.