S14 E21 The Wellness Industry’s Biggest Blind Spot, with Chris Wharton

In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis sits down with Chris Wharton, to unpack what’s broken in the modern longevity and wellness industry. Chris argues that while interest in healthspan is exploding, the conversation is being driven by oversimplification, misinformation, and loud voices rather than rigorous science. He explains why there is no such thing as a single “longevity expert,” why biology is deeply individual, and why chasing hacks before mastering fundamentals is a losing game. Together, they explore the real drivers of long-term health, the danger of health FOMO, and why majoring in the “majors” — movement, nutrition, sleep, stress, and human connection — matters more than any trend, supplement, or biohack. This episode is a sober, science-first reset for anyone overwhelmed by modern wellness advice and looking for signal instead of noise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick welcomes back Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractable, to discuss his newest book, Beyond Belief. The conversation starts with a paradox we all recognize: we know exactly what to do, yet we don’t do it. Nir explains why the missing piece isn’t discipline or motivation, but belief. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and personal experience, he introduces a powerful framework showing how belief shapes attention, anticipation, and agency, and how those forces quietly determine what we see, feel, and do. Patrick and Nir explore limiting beliefs, extremist certainty, and why nuance is a competitive advantage in a polarized world. They also examine how beliefs function not as truths, but as tools—and how choosing better tools can unlock better decisions, healthier relationships, and more focused lives. This episode is a practical and philosophical guide to reclaiming agency in an age of distraction, outrage, and endless information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick sits down with Daniel Coyle, bestselling author of The Culture Code, The Talent Code, and his new book Flourish, to explore a deceptively simple question: why do so many high achievers still feel empty? Drawing from years of research inside elite teams, thriving communities, and high-performing organizations, Dan explains why nobody flourishes alone — and how modern life has quietly pulled us away from the connection we’re biologically wired for. The conversation spans leadership, anxiety, attention, and the difference between building a “machine” and cultivating a “garden.” Patrick and Dan break down practical ideas leaders can apply immediately, from the power of saying “I screwed that up,” to the difference between mowing the lawn and tending the greenhouse. This is an optimistic, grounded episode about how to reclaim energy, meaning, and growth — at work, at home, and in everyday life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of this FOMO Sapiens conversation, Patrick McGinnis sits down with Sahil Bloom to explore what it actually means to build a meaningful life and career in the age of infinite noise.Sahil reflects on the responsibility that comes with modern influence, arguing that creators today wield unprecedented power to compound either positive or negative energy. He explains why chasing outrage and rage bait might juice short-term engagement, but quietly destroys long-term opportunity, and why the most durable creators think in decades, not days. The conversation turns deeply practical as Sahil shares his philosophy on time, boundaries, and decision-making. This episode is a masterclass in long-term thinking: how to protect your time, preserve your energy, and make decisions that compound over a lifetime instead of optimizing for the next hit of validation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest risk in life isn’t failure, but settling for something that’s merely fine? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Patrick sits down with Sahil Bloom, former private equity investor turned global creator and author of The Five Types of Wealth. Sahil unpacks the invisible forces that keep smart, ambitious people stuck on paths that don’t quite fit: from the psychology of insecurity to the “region-beta paradox” that explains why so many people stay in unfulfilling careers. This episode is a deep dive into agency, ambition, and why clarity doesn’t come before action… it comes from it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of this conversation, Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust, joins Patrick McGinnis to confront the hardest question of our time: how do we build trust in a world where reality itself is becoming unstable? From AI-generated content and deepfakes to misinformation and collapsing institutional credibility, this episode explores what trust looks like under pressure. Jimmy shares his framework for rebuilding trust, the governance principles that protect neutrality, and the leadership choices required to build systems that endure in an era of technological acceleration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to build trust at the scale of billions? In this episode, Patrick sits down with Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust, to unpack how one of the internet’s most improbable projects became one of its most trusted institutions. From early skepticism and ridicule to the human systems that made collaboration possible, this conversation explores how trust is built person-to-person, how purpose creates alignment, and why Wikipedia succeeded where so many platforms failed. This is a deep dive into the architecture of trust — and the foundations of building something that lasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a dedicated teacher decides to build a business on the side, one lunch break at a time? In this episode, Patrick talks with Anthony Passalacqua, founder of Shootin’ School, who transformed a passion for basketball into a thriving training company, multiple inclusive sports ventures, and a nonprofit serving kids with special needs. Anthony shares how the 10% Entrepreneur framework gave him the confidence to go full-time, the systems he built to scale while teaching, the risks he took during the pandemic, and the mindset that keeps him grounded as a father, business owner, and community leader.Guest bio:Anthony Passalacqua is the founder of Shootin' School, one of the fastest-growing basketball instruction programs in the region, known for its emphasis on skill development, coaching quality, and player mindset. A former teacher turned entrepreneur, Anthony built Shootin’ School using the 10% Entrepreneur approach: starting small, systemizing early, and scaling sustainably while still working full-time in education.After transitioning into entrepreneurship, Anthony expanded his impact by co-founding Because We Can Sports, an inclusive sports instruction program for kids of all abilities, including those with special needs. During the pandemic, he and his team took a bold step by building their own training facility, Jump Shots, allowing them to continue serving athletes at a time when most gyms were closed.Anthony is also the founder of the Integrated Athletic Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive leagues and providing high-quality uniforms for children with special needs. His commitment to community development recently led to a donation of 2.5 acres of land for a future accessible sports complex.Known for his process-driven mindset, relentless work ethic, and customer-first philosophy, Anthony brings a unique blend of teaching, leadership, and entrepreneurial creativity to every venture he builds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring conversation, Patrick sits down with Goldie Chan, the “Oprah of LinkedIn” and author of Personal Branding for Introverts, to unpack how introverts can thrive in the noisy world of online self-promotion. Goldie shares how she became one of LinkedIn’s first video creators—posting over 800 consecutive daily videos—and built a global reputation for her creative authenticity and consistency. She breaks down the difference between ego and confidence, the art of storytelling over bragging, and why a strong personal brand starts with understanding your audience. Whether you’re an introvert looking to grow your influence or simply want to build a brand that feels real, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable visibility and authentic connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if courage isn’t about being fearless, but about taking action despite fear? In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis speaks with Ranjay Gulati, Harvard Business School professor and author of How to Be Bold. Ranjay shares why our cultural myth of the “fearless hero” is misleading and explains how courage is a learnable skill that anyone can practice, whether as an individual, a team, or an organization. He explores the dangers of analysis paralysis in business, why acting boldly is often safer than standing still, and how leaders can use sense-making and storytelling to reframe adversity into opportunity. Drawing on vivid examples, from nuclear plant managers to Antarctic explorers, Ranjay shows how courage is collective, not solo, and why a strong support system is essential to bold decision-making. Packed with practical insights and inspiring stories, this conversation serves as a playbook for anyone seeking to replace fear with bold, decisive action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices