#840: Bill Gurley — Investing in The AI Era, 10 Days in China, and Important Life Lessons from Bob Dylan, Jerry Seinfeld, MrBeast, and More

Bill Gurley (@bgurley) is a general partner at Benchmark, a leading venture capital firm in Silicon Valley. His new book is Runnin’ Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love.This episode is brought to you by:Momentous high-quality creatine for cognitive and muscular supportOur Place’s Titanium Always Pan® Pro using nonstick technology that’s coating-free and made without PFAS, otherwise known as “Forever Chemicals”Shopify global commerce platform, providing tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail businessCoyote the card game​, which I co-created with Exploding Kittens*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Fei-Fei Li (@drfeifei) is the inaugural Sequoia Professor in the Computer Science Department at Stanford University, a founding co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute, and the co-founder and CEO of World Labs, a generative AI company focusing on Spatial Intelligence. She is the author of The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI, her memoir and one of Barack Obama’s recommended books on AI and a Financial Times best book of 2023.This episode is brought to you by:Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic broad spectrum 24-strain probiotic + prebiotic: https://seed.com/timHelix Sleep premium mattresses: https://helixsleep.com/timCoyote the card game​, which I co-created with Exploding Kittens: https://coyotegame.com/Wealthfront high-yield cash account: https://wealthfront.com/timNew clients get 3.50% base APY from program banks + additional 0.65% boost for 3 months on your uninvested cash (max $150k balance). Terms apply. The Cash Account offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC (“WFB”) member FINRA/SIPC, not a bank. The base APY as of 11/07/2025 is representative, can change, and requires no minimum. Tim Ferriss, a non-client, receives compensation from WFB for advertising and holds a non-controlling equity interest in the corporate parent of WFB. Experiences will vary. Outcomes not guaranteed. Instant withdrawals may be limited by your receiving firm and other factors. Investment advisory services provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Securities investments: not bank deposits, bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value.*TIMESTAMPS[00:00:00] Start.[00:01:22] Why it’s so remarkable this is our first time meeting.[00:03:21] From a childhood in Chengdu to New Jersey[00:04:51] Being raised by the opposite of tiger parenting.[00:07:53] Why Dr. Li’s brave parents left everything behind.[00:11:17] Bob Sabella: The math teacher who sacrificed lunch hours for an immigrant kid.[00:19:37] Seven years running a dry cleaning shop through Princeton.[00:20:50] How ImageNet birthed modern AI.[00:23:21] From fighter jets to physics to the audacious question: What is intelligence?[00:27:24] The epiphany everyone missed: Big data as the hidden hypothesis.[00:28:49] Against the single-genius myth: Science as non-linear lineage.[00:32:18] Amazon Mechanical Turk: When desperation breeds innovation.[00:39:03] Quality control puzzles: How do you stop people from seeing pandas everywhere?[00:41:36] The “Godmother of AI” on what everyone’s missing: People.[00:42:31] Civilizational technology: AI’s fingerprints on GDP, culture, and Japanese taxi screens.[00:47:45] Pragmatic optimist: Why neither utopians nor doomsayers have it right.[00:51:30] Why World Labs: Spatial intelligence as the next frontier beyond language.[00:53:17] Packing sandwiches and painting bedrooms: Breaking down spatial reasoning.[00:55:16] Medieval French towns on a budget: How World Labs serves high school theater.[00:59:08] Flight simulators for robots and strawberry field therapy for OCD.[01:01:42] The scientists who don’t make headlines: Spelke, Gopnik, Brooks, and the cognitive giants.[01:03:16] What’s underappreciated: Spatial intelligence, AI in education, and the messy middle of labor.[01:06:21] Hiring at World Labs: Why tool embrace matters more than degrees.[01:08:50] Rethinking evaluation: Show students AI’s B-minus, then challenge them to beat it.[01:11:24] Dr. Li’s Billboard.[01:13:13] The fortuitous naming of Fei-Fei.[01:14:46] Parting thoughts.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to another wide-ranging "Random Show" episode that I recorded with my close friend Kevin Rose (digg.com)!This episode is brought to you by:Qlosi prescription eye drop used to treat age-related blurry near vision (presbyopia) in adults: https://Qlosi.com/TimDavid Protein Bars with 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar: https://davidprotein.com/Tim (Buy 4 cartons, get the 5th free.)Eight Sleep Pod Cover 5 sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating: EightSleep.com/Tim (use code TIM to get $400 off your very own Pod 5 Ultra)Coyote the card game​, which I co-created with Exploding Kittens: https://coyotegame.comTimestamps:[00:00:00] Start.[00:00:52] Why Kevin concluded nearly seven months of sobriety, and the 2-2-2 Rule he now follows for alcohol consumption.[00:07:12] My recent adventures in accelerated TMS and bioelectric medicine.[00:21:09] The tragic death of Nolan Williams and funding future research through the Saisei Foundation.[00:24:23] Aphantasia vs. hyperphantasia, and Joshua Waitzkin's ability to "feel" chess.[00:33:12] DORAs for sleep and Alzheimer's prevention: Matt Walker, Belsomra, and the terrifying p-tau blood test.[00:41:21] Dale Bredesen's kitchen-sink approach to dementia and the ketogenic connection.[00:46:22] The rapid pace of AI development: Why your opinion from three months ago is already obsolete.[00:49:40] Google's full-stack advantage: TPUs, Gemini 3, and why they were built for this moment.[00:52:50] The future of venture capital: Seed rounds shift later as entrepreneurs gain leverage.[00:58:05] Kevin's three AI investment buckets: Power, data centers, and bloated companies ripe for automation.[01:02:05] Holiday gift ideas and recommended reading.[01:17:41] The Way App and meditation with Zen master Henry Shukman.[01:21:44] Kevin's AI stack: Nothing earbuds, Sandbar ring, Notion AI, and the NotebookLM podcast hack.[01:26:58] Oboe.fyi: The AI learning platform and my investment philosophy.[01:32:09] My new girlfriend, the perils of modern dating apps, and building a communication toolkit.[01:38:17] Terry Real's relationship wisdom: Why objective reality has no place in an argument.[01:47:18] Dog updates: Molly, a new puppy, and Toaster on rapamycin.[01:47:58] Parting thoughts and happy holidays.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we head into the new year, many of us feel like we’re drowning in invisible complexity. So I wanted to hit pause and ask a simple question: What are 1-3 decisions that could dramatically simplify my life in 2026? To explore that, I invited three close friends and long-time listener favorites—Derek Sivers, Seth Godin, and Martha Beck.This episode is brought to you by: Incogni, which automatically removes your personal data from the web, helping shield you from fraud, scams, and identity theft: https://incogni.com/tim (use code TIM at checkout and get 60% off an annual plan)Eight Sleep Pod Cover 5 sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating: EightSleep.com/Tim (use code TIM to get $700 off your very own Pod 5 Ultra.)More about today's guests:Derek Sivers is an author of philosophy and entrepreneurship, known for his surprising, quotable insights and pithy, succinct writing style. Derek’s books (How to Live, Hell Yeah or No, Your Music and People, Anything You Want) and newest projects are at his website: sive.rs. His new book is Useful Not True.Seth Godin is the author of 21 internationally bestselling books, translated into more than 35 languages, including Linchpin, Tribes, The Dip, and Purple Cow. His latest book, This Is Strategy, offers a fresh lens on how we can make bold decisions, embrace change, and navigate a complex, rapidly evolving world. Dr. Martha Beck has been called “the best-known life coach in America” by NPR and USA Today. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science and has published nine non-fiction books, one novel, and more than 200 magazine articles. The Guardian and other media have described her as “Oprah’s life coach.” Her latest book is Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose. TIMESTAMPS[00:00:00] Start.[00:00:20] Advice I’ve used to simplify my own life.[00:04:02] Enter Derek Sivers.[00:04:17] Simple is the opposite of complex — not just a synonym for “easy.”[00:07:19] Simplification #1: No subscriptions, contracts, or people depending on him.[00:07:40] Simplification #2: Programming with no external libraries or dependencies.[00:08:30] Simplification #3: Building a house from scratch in New Zealand.[00:09:26] Complex is a long-term trap. Simple is long-term freedom..[00:10:32] Enter Seth Godin.[00:10:48] Simplifying is hard work — if it were easy, you’d have already done it.[00:11:17] Clarity on “who it’s for”: Ignore everyone else, including one-star reviews.[00:12:46] Eliminate gray areas: Never miss a deadline, never go over budget. Stand by your commitments.[00:14:53] Reclaim time with personal boundaries: No meetings, no social media, no TV.[00:16:57] Simplifying one thing puts you on the hook to go deeper elsewhere.[00:22:23] Enter Martha Beck.[00:22:29] One decision that radically simplified her life.[00:22:44] At 29, chose to follow true joy — not dopamine hits, but deep peace.[00:24:15] The simple rule: Go toward joy, away from misery — no matter what.[00:28:20] How a near-death experience sparked this commitment.[00:30:02] Payoff: Autoimmune remission, purpose, wonderful relationships, home inside herself.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This time around, we have a bit of a different format, featuring the book that started it all for me, The 4-Hour Workweek. Readers and listeners often ask me what I would change or update, but an equally interesting question is: what wouldn’t I change? What stands the test of time and hasn’t lost any potency? This episode features three of the most important chapters from the audiobook of The 4-Hour Workweek. The audiobook, produced and copyrighted by Blackstone Publishing, is available wherever audiobooks are sold. You can find it on Audible, Apple, Google, Spotify, Downpour.com, or wherever you get your favorite audiobooks.This episode is brought to you by:Gusto simple and easy payroll, HR, and benefits platform used by 400,000+ businesses: https://gusto.com/timMomentous high-quality creatine for cognitive and muscular support: https://livemomentous.com/Tim Shopify global commerce platform, providing tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business: https://shopify.com/tim Coyote the card game​, which I co-created with Exploding Kittens: https://coyotegame.comTIMESTAMPS[00:00:00] Start.[00:02:31] Mini-retirements: embracing the mobile lifestyle.[00:09:22] The birth of mini-retirements and the death of vacations.[00:11:03] The alternative to binge traveling.[00:16:14] Purging the demons: emotional freedom.[00:18:43] The financial realities: it just gets better.[00:24:24] Fear factors: overcoming excuses not to travel.[00:30:08] When more is less: cutting the clutter.[00:39:29] The Bora-Bora dealmaker.[00:43:11] Questions and actions.[00:44:22] Take an asset and cash-flow snapshot.[00:45:02] Fear-set a one-year mini-retirement in a dream location in Europe.[00:48:38] Prepare for your trip.[00:59:42] Adding life after subtracting work.[01:01:51] Depression and boredom: it's normal.[01:05:31] Frustrations and doubts: you're not alone.[01:12:01] The point of it all.[01:13:37] Learning unlimited: sharpening the saw.[01:17:24] Service for the right reasons.[01:20:05] Questions and actions.[01:22:46] Make an anonymous donation to the service organization of your choice.[01:24:05] Take a learning mini-retirement in combination with local volunteering.[01:28:42] The top 13 new rich mistakes.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben Patrick, better known as “Kneesovertoesguy” (@kneesovertoesguy), is the founder of Athletic Truth Group (ATG), an online and brick-and-mortar training system rooted in rehabilitative strength and joint health. After years of debilitating knee and shin pain (including multiple surgeries), he rebuilt his body and performance, going from a sub-20″ vertical to a documented 42″ leap.This episode is brought to you by:Momentous high-quality creatine for cognitive and muscular support: https://livemomentous.com/Tim (Code TIM for 35% off your first subscription.)Monarch track, budget, plan, and do more with your money: Monarch.com/Tim (50% off your first year at monarchmoney.com with code TIM)David Protein Bars 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar: https://davidprotein.com/tim (Buy 4 cartons, get the 5th free.)My workout with Ben: https://youtu.be/xpM4V6O9f6wTimestamps:[00:00:00] Who is Ben Patrick? [00:02:32] How Ben went from Old Man Patrick to Knees Over Toes Guy.[00:06:37] Backward sled dragging for safe strength building and rehab.[00:13:14] Full range of motion squatting (deep squats vs. 90-degree limitation).[00:16:30] “Strength is gained in the range it is trained.” — Charles Poliquin[00:18:50] ATG split squat (front foot elevated split squat).[00:19:53] Heel elevation and counterbalancing techniques.[00:24:26] Ben’s mother’s transformation — from hip deterioration to sprinting at age 71.[00:27:36] Ben’s vertical jump progression — unable to grab rim in high school to dunking at 34.[00:28:14] Most effective exercises Ben’s mom might recommend.[00:29:54] Ben and I reflect on what Charles Poliquin (RIP) gave to us.[00:36:36] How backwards sled pulling became a revered exercise.[00:39:12] Mr. Universe Bob Gajda’s contributions to Ben’s regimen.[00:42:16] ATG prioritizes offering American-made products when possible.[00:43:14] Tibialis raises without equipment.[00:45:37] Why I included the ATG wrist bar in a recent 5-Bullet Friday.[00:48:32] Ben’s videos he most recommends.[00:54:48] Applying the minimum effective dose (MED) for maximum results in any endeavor.[00:59:55] What I would include in The 4-Hour Body if it were written or revised today.[01:01:13] A space-saving alternative for people who want to enjoy the benefits of sled work.[01:01:57] Real examples of high-yield workouts that require a low investment of time.[01:05:59] Ben’s basketball warmup protocols.[01:06:59] Regularly skip leg day? Try Arnold Schwarzenegger’s one simple trick.[01:08:49] Maintaining integrity in the ever-fickle world of content creation.[01:32:18] Parting thoughts.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Baszucki is the founder and CEO of Roblox. TIME named Roblox one of the “100 Most Influential Companies,” and it has been recognized by Fast Company for innovation on their “Most Innovative Companies” and “Most Innovative Companies in Gaming” lists.This episode is brought to you by:Qlosi prescription eye drop used to treat age-related blurry near vision (presbyopia) in adults: https://Qlosi.com/TimAG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement: https://DrinkAG1.com/TimWealthfront high-yield cash account: https://Wealthfront.com/TimNew clients get 3.50% base APY from program banks + additional 0.65% boost for 3 months on your uninvested cash (max $150k balance). Terms apply. The Cash Account offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC (“WFB”) member FINRA/SIPC, not a bank. The base APY as of 11/07/2025 is representative, can change, and requires no minimum. Tim Ferriss, a non-client, receives compensation from WFB for advertising and holds a non-controlling equity interest in the corporate parent of WFB. Experiences will vary. Outcomes not guaranteed. Instant withdrawals may be limited by your receiving firm and other factors. Investment advisory services provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Securities investments: not bank deposits, bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Start.[00:01:48] Kicking off with custom kettlebells.[00:03:00] How David and I connected through Dominic D’Agostino and metabolic health research.[00:04:30] Matthew Baszucki’s eight-year journey with bipolar disorder before keto breakthrough.[00:08:14] Rescuing Matthew from the streets with a strategic hospital admission.[00:18:18] Matthew’s disappearance from his mother’s perspective.[00:19:37] Understanding how the ketogenic diet helps people with bipolar disorder.[00:24:21] Meeting the challenges of ketogenic diet compliance.[00:30:06] Measuring ketone levels.[00:32:17] The clandestine Canadian CKM smuggling ring.[00:33:07] The calm optimism, mental clarity, and reduced sleep requirements of ketosis.[00:35:19] Breath hold experiments.[00:37:44] Optimizing my sleep and minimizing my OCD on ketosis.[00:40:18] How exogenous ketones improve verbal acuity of relatives with Alzheimer’s[00:41:49] Lyme disease and ketosis.[00:44:37] Talk therapy vs. mechanical therapy: Fixing the machinery first.[00:45:47] Dangers of talk therapy without physiological foundation: Learned helplessness.[00:46:49] Atmospheric Calm playlist: Ambient music for focus and productivity.[00:49:16] How Roblox fits in with human connection evolution to the tune of 120 million daily users.[00:52:50] Emergent games within the Roblox ecosystem.[00:54:32] Roblox’s safety infrastructure: Built for all ages from day one.[00:55:24] Future of 3D work: Virtual meetings replacing video calls, concerts, and political rallies.[00:56:57] The inevitability of innovation.[00:58:07] From early revenue challenges to a creator community earning over $1 billion a year.[01:02:52] Taking economic inspiration from Adam Smith.[01:03:54] Building the successful Robux system with a 20-person team in three months.[01:10:17] How does Roblox guard against IP theft among its digital creators?[01:14:32] Best company decisions made at Roblox thus far.[01:19:35] Missteps and mistakes.[01:21:07] When intuitive tech predictions pay off.[01:25:49] David’s favorite niche Roblox games.[01:28:41] Roblox kid safety: Filtered communication, parental controls, future AI age estimation, and clustering.[01:32:02] Roblox AI infrastructure: Hundreds of models for safety, translation, 3D creation, and procedurally generated dreaming.[01:33:33] Predictions: Sci-fi becoming reality, holodeck timeline, AI movies in 3-5 years, photorealistic virtual concerts.[01:37:24] Product development and challenges of being a public company CEO.[01:41:35] David’s self-care routine.[01:45:20] Roblox wellness: CGMs for all employees, snack labeling system, employee transformations.[01:47:11] Exploratory reading.[01:49:32] “Feed Your Head”: David’s Jefferson Airplane-inspired billboard.[01:50:24] Whole cream vs. half-and-half for coffee and other parting thoughts.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jack Canfield is the coauthor of more than two hundred books, including, The Success Principles™: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be and the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, which includes forty New York Times bestsellers and which has sold more than 600 million copies in 50-plus languages around the world.This episode is brought to you by:Monarch track, budget, plan, and do more with your money: https://www.monarch.com/timAG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement: https://drinkag1.com/timHelix Sleep premium mattresses: https://helixsleep.com/timTimestamps:[00:00:00] Who is Jack?[00:01:57] How a single “yes” from Jack shaped my career.[00:04:55] A contract lesson: How Chicken Soup for the Soul sold millions in China with zero royalties.[00:06:45] Jack’s background: From poverty to Harvard.[00:09:43] Discovering Chinese history and the “easy A” that changed everything.[00:11:07] Winning “Teacher of the Year” teaching Black history.[00:14:35] High praise from Sammy Davis Jr.[00:17:37] W. Clement Stone: The $600 million mentor who turned motivation into a science (and insurance).[00:21:35] Stone’s challenge: Take 100% responsibility and stop watching TV (a 14-month year hack).[00:22:40] From visualizing $100,000 to a million.[00:25:42] Chicken Soup origins.[00:27:35] Mark Victor Hansen joins.[00:29:15] 144 rejections later.[00:31:28] The ABA miracle.[00:34:05] The Rule of Five.[00:36:05] Selling The Soul and splurging on sweaters.[00:37:27] The Soup sourced from the universe.[00:39:33] The big break.[00:41:22] Word-of-mouth magic.[00:45:37] Lessons from live feedback.[00:47:27] The burnout years.[00:49:25] Life after Chicken Soup.[00:51:05] Late-night typing marathons and pun-laden chapter transitions that led to The Success Principles.[00:54:02] How Jack’s love of transformation beats any royalty check.[00:55:07] Retirement reflections.[00:59:32] Jack’s longevity formula: Laughter, organic food, love, and letting go.[01:02:10] An ayahuasca awakening.[01:03:39] The story of Rythmia Life Advancement Center and how it’s affected Jack.[01:06:43] Breaking belief loops and understanding community as medicine.[01:10:06] E + R = O and strategies for taking 100% responsibility of one’s life.[01:22:27] Why “clean up your messes” is first in Jack’s list of productivity tips.[01:29:27] Where to begin if you’re unfamiliar with Jack’s work.[01:31:08] Ken Blanchard: “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”[01:32:13] Parting thoughts.Show notes for this episode: https://tim.blog/2025/10/29/jack-canfield/*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Boyd Varty is the founder of Track Your Life, which offers a limited number of premium retreats in South Africa’s bushveld, and author of one of my favorite books, The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life. As a fourth-generation custodian of Londolozi Game Reserve, Boyd grew up with lions, leopards, snakes, and elephants and has spent his life in apprenticeship to the natural world. He is also the host of the Track Your Life podcast.This episode is brought to you by:Our Place’s Titanium Always Pan® Pro using nonstick technology that’s coating-free and made without PFAS, otherwise known as “Forever Chemicals”: https://fromourplace.com/tim (Use code TIM at checkout.) Gusto simple and easy payroll, HR, and benefits platform used by 400,000+ businesses: https://gusto.com/tim (Three months free.)Wealthfront high-yield cash account: https://Wealthfront.com/Tim (New clients get 3.50% base APY from program banks + additional 0.65% boost for 3 months on your uninvested cash (max $150k balance.) Terms apply. The Cash Account offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC (“WFB”) member FINRA/SIPC, not a bank. The base APY as of 11/27/25 is representative, can change, and requires no minimum. Tim Ferriss, a non-client, receives compensation from WFB for advertising and holds a non-controlling equity interest in the corporate parent of WFB. Experiences will vary. Outcomes not guaranteed. Instant withdrawals may be limited by your receiving firm and other factors. Investment advisory services provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Securities investments: not bank deposits, bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value.*Timestamps:[00:00:00] Start.[00:01:59] Boyd returns.[00:03:14] Elite firefighting unit: Boyd’s French Foreign Legionnaire predecessor.[00:04:27] The paper mache lion incident and Lucky’s dramatic exit.[00:08:07] Firefighting drill disaster: When 50/50 failed spectacularly.[00:09:58] Leadership lesson: Bringing energy down when chaos climbs.[00:11:52] Story hunting and the natural world as meaning machine.[00:17:16] Uncle JV: Wildlife filmmaker with a dangerous drama meter.[00:19:10] Camera bearing adventures: Elephants, hyenas, and the red mist.[00:22:30] Zambia expeditions: Crocodiles, dead elephants, and shovel oars.[00:25:48] Orienting toward safety: Building capability versus childhood overwhelm.[00:29:11] Wilderness retreat lessons: Wordlessness and natural state.[00:31:40] The Londolozi time war: Tech detox and parasympathetic shifts.[00:39:49] Mystical animal encounters: Lions, southern boubous, and synchronicity.[00:43:11] Re-enchantment: Nature’s desire to help us heal.[00:45:25] Following non-rational energy and forays into wordlessness.[00:52:31] Diana Chapman’s Whole-Body Yes and avoiding the simmering six.[00:58:04] Toby Pheasant and the great black mamba escape.[01:06:09] Training for persistence hunting using Bushman Great Dance wisdom.[01:09:23] The desert as storehouse: Abundance psychology in action.[01:11:23] Persistence hunt mechanics: Heat, time, and the animal’s energy transfer.[01:15:04] Running into ceremony: 47 degrees and letting the body know.[01:21:31] The kudu gives itself: Profound respect at the edge of survival.[01:27:22] Seeking the wild man: Access to the full spectrum of presence.[01:29:20] Context and discernment: Armor in cities, openness in wild spaces.[01:34:55] Men need men: Collective exploration around the fire.[01:37:40] Relationship as practice: Moving from romantic myth to active work.[01:40:15] Dick jokes and raft building: The indirect work that does heavy lifting.[01:45:43] Lunch the baboon: Hand lotion, bloody handprints, and royal delays.[01:55:43] Living amongst the animals: Warthog intelligence and leopard relationships.[01:57:27] Parting thoughts.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Frank Miller is regarded as one of the most influential and awarded creators. He began his career in comics in the late 1970s, first gaining notoriety as the artist, and later writer, of Daredevil for Marvel Comics. Next, came the science-fiction samurai drama Ronin, followed by the groundbreaking Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One with artist David Mazzuchelli. Following these seminal works, Miller fulfilled a lifelong dream by doing an all-out crime series, Sin City, which spawned two blockbuster films that he co-directed with Robert Rodriguez. Miller’s multi-award-winning graphic novel 300 was also adapted into a highly successful film by Zack Snyder. His upcoming memoir, Push the Wall: My Life, Writing, Drawing, and the Art of Storytelling, is now available for pre-order.This episode is brought to you by: Eight Sleep Pod Cover 5 sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating: EightSleep.com/Tim (use code TIM to get $350 off your very own Pod 5 Ultra.)Shopify global commerce platform, providing tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business: https://shopify.com/tim (one-dollar-per-month trial period)AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement: DrinkAG1.com/Tim (1-year supply of Vitamin D (and 5 free AG1 travel packs) with your first subscription purchase.)Timestamps:[00:00:00] Start.[00:02:14] Aristotle’s definition of happiness: Devotion to excellence.[00:03:02] Tools of the trade: Blackwing pencils, India ink, liquid frisket.[00:04:45] Sin City‘s physical creation at “twice up” size.[00:08:06] The toothbrush spatter technique.[00:09:24] Channeling impatience, anger, and violence into dramatic creative work.[00:10:33] What Jack Kirby knew about making comics competitive with cinema’s spectacle.[00:11:56] Will Eisner and The Spirit‘s influence on the US market where writer-artist duality is rare.[00:13:33] How Jack Kirby blasted apart the panel grid (and a young Frank’s mind).[00:15:49] Push the wall and defy the code.[00:19:54] The ruthless mentorship of Neal Adams.[00:24:57] The genesis of the Elektra amd Daredevil “soap opera.”[00:27:56] Story structure: Start late, end early.[00:29:10] Trusting the muse over rigid methodology.[00:31:15] European invasion: Moebius and Forbidden Planet.[00:32:52] Japanese influence: Lone Wolf and Cub‘s impact.[00:34:30] Cultural differences in depicting violence and motion.[00:36:38] Ronin: Shameless imitation and rebirth.[00:37:28] How does Frank know if something is working (or not working)?[00:39:27] The critical reception of Ronin as a “broken nose.”[00:42:37] The ruthless structure of The Dark Knight Returns.[00:43:40] Mutual elevation with “smartest fan” Alan Moore.[00:48:26] Robert Rodriguez: Angel of goodwill and generosity.[00:49:28] Sin City film: Co-directing and the Director’s Guild sacrifice.[00:50:31] Working as a “two-headed beast” with Rodriguez.[00:55:27] Favorite films.[00:58:19] Books and ancient history inspiring 300.[00:59:00] Hollywood lessons: The importance of working with the right people.[01:01:13] The partnership and guidance of Silenn Thomas.[01:02:01] The clarity and creative rejuvenation of getting sober from alcohol.[01:04:48] Advice for aspiring comic artists: Story, story, story.[01:06:20] Learning to draw: Bridgman and Loomis books.[01:08:07] Perspective as a mathematical trick and lie.[01:11:00] Dick Giordano’s advice: Lay in blacks first.[01:13:52] Sin City workflow innovation: Batch processing stages.[01:15:48] Dark Horse Comics and creative freedom.[01:17:29] Economy of line work and elegant minimalism.[01:20:46] On collaborating with Bill Sienkiewicz on Elektra.[01:25:20] Billboard wisdom: “Ask every question,” and “Why?”[01:27:08] Challenging pathological conformity.[01:27:39] Parting thoughts and where to find Frank’s work.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.