E166 - Tim Ferriss: The Hard Truth About Self-Improvement (After 25 Years of Experimenting)

Clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Miller joins us to reveal the groundbreaking neuroscience that connects spirituality with mental health, purpose, and human flourishing. Drawing from decades of research at Columbia University, she shares how spiritual awareness literally changes the brain — rewiring us for resilience, compassion, and meaning. From the awakened brain to the power of awe, Lisa bridges empirical science with lived spirituality, showing how we are biologically built for connection with something greater than ourselves.www.bioptimizers.com/knowthyselfUse code KNOWTHYSELF for 15% off!https://livemomentous.com and use code KNOWTHYSELF for up to 35% off the best creatine in the gameAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro03:40 What Is the Awakened Brain?07:10 How Spirituality Changes the Brain10:50 Depression as a Doorway to Awakening14:25 The Biology of Faith and Meaning18:05 The Parietal Lobe and the Sense of Oneness22:00 From Egoic Mind to Spiritual Awareness26:15 Dorsal vs. Ventral Attention Networks Explained30:10 How Prayer and Meditation Rewire the Brain34:00 The Neuroscience of Love and Connection38:25 What Happens in the Brain During Awe42:10 Synchronicity and the Science of Guidance46:00 Raising Spiritually Connected Children50:20 Addiction, Recovery, and the Search for Spirit54:35 The Brain as an Antenna for Consciousness59:15 Science Meets Mysticism: Where They Overlap1:03:30 The Future of Mental Health and Spirituality1:07:40 Reawakening the Innate Spiritual Brain1:12:00 Living with Awe, Service, and Gratitude1:16:10 Closing Reflections___________Episode Resources: https://www.lisamillerphd.com/https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisamiller/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Death doula, attorney, and spiritual guide Alua Arthur joins us to explore how embracing mortality awakens us to life’s deepest meaning. Through her book Briefly Perfectly Human and her work helping people die with peace and purpose, Alua invites us to face what we fear most — not to prepare for dying, but to learn how to live fully. We explore the taboos around death, the regrets people hold at the end of life, and the powerful clarity that comes from asking what remains undone. 20% off Pique Life Tea:https://www.piquelife.com/knowthyselfAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro04:20 What Is a Death Doula?08:10 How Facing Death Changes How We Live12:45 Why We Fear Death17:15 Imagining Your Own Death21:40 The Most Common Regrets of the Dying26:05 What Remains Undone in Your Life?28:18 Ad: Pique Life30:10 Facing Mortality as a Spiritual Practice34:50 The Art of Dying Well39:25 The Beauty of Grief and Letting Go43:10 How to Be Present With the Dying47:30 Conversations About Death With Loved Ones51:00 How Alua Found Her Calling55:40 What Dying People Teach About Living Fully1:00:15 Grief, Identity, and Rebirth1:05:30 How to Support Someone Who’s Grieving1:10:45 The Mystery of What Happens After Death1:15:00 The “Glitter Wave” Theory of Consciousness1:20:20 Reimagining Rituals Around Death1:25:40 Living Authentically Before It’s Too Late1:30:00 Conclusion___________Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/alualoveslife/https://www.instagram.com/going_with_grace/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSP6FVYR/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Cognitive scientist and author Donald Hoffman returns to share discoveries reshaping how we understand perception, consciousness, and reality itself. Drawing from evolutionary game theory and quantum physics, he reveals why we don’t see the world as it truly is—and what that means for science, spirituality, and awareness. Hoffman bridges rigorous mathematics with timeless wisdom, showing how awakening to truth means seeing through the interface of perception to what lies beyond.15% off Bon Charge order (Code KNOWTHYSELF):https://boncharge.com/knowthyselfUp to 43% off MUDWTR order + free frother:https://mudwtr.com/knowthyselfTo get your free shilajit today:https://fractalforest.co/knowthyselfAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro03:45 The Probability of Seeing the Truth10:20 Fitness vs. Truth in Evolutionary Theory17:30 The Limits of Our Perception24:15 How Language Shapes Reality31:10 States of Consciousness and Altered Perception38:50 The Virtual Headset of Space and Time42:04 Ad: Bon Charge46:35 Physics Agrees: Spacetime Is Doomed54:25 The Mystery of the Observer1:02:10 No Theory of Everything1:10:40 Consciousness vs. Physicalism1:19:15 Neural Correlates and the Illusion of Causation1:27:45 The Case for Consciousness as Fundamental1:29:38 Ads: MUDWTR, Fractal Forest1:36:20 From Science to Spirituality1:45:10 Introducing Markov Chains1:53:30 The Birth of Trace Logic2:04:20 Time Dilation and the Mathematics of Perception2:18:10 Beyond the Headset: Infinite Consciousness2:36:30 Science, Mystery, and Humility2:54:40 Conclusion___________Episode Resources: https://x.com/donalddhoffmanhttps://www.amazon.com/The-Case-Against-Reality/dp/0141983418/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Tim Ferriss opens up about the inner evolution behind his outer success. He shares the practices and perspectives that have most transformed his life: from the art of asking better questions and setting meaningful goals, to the wisdom of subtraction — removing what no longer serves to make space for what truly matters.Tim reflects on how psychedelics, fasting, and deep self-inquiry have reshaped his understanding of sensitivity, healing, and purpose. He explores the balance between self-development and self-centeredness, revealing how real growth begins not in control, but in surrender.To get your free shilajit today:https://fractalforest.co/knowthyself20% off Pique Life Tea:https://www.piquelife.com/knowthyselfAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________0:00 Intro 2:40 Trusting in What Can't be Controlled6:45 Reviewing Your Life & Setting Goals8:54 Why He Devoted His Life to Strategic Self Development13:13 Asking Great Questions Leads to Great Results19:12 A Question to Shift Your Perspective on Life28:04 The Key for Growth: Addition vs Subtraction 38:09 Making the Space for Social Connection44:14 The Power of Subtraction & Fasting49:55 Ad: Fractal Forest51:32 Self Development Without Being Self Centered59:48 His Journey with Psychedelics 1:14:15 Ad: Pique Life1:16:47 How Psychedelics Changed How He Sees Life & the Mystical1:20:22 The Misuse of Psychedelics and How it Used to be Used1:27:07 Why He started Working with Them1:31:32 Red Flags & What to Watch Out For1:37:35 How His Relationship to Sensitivity has Changed1:46:50 Healing from Childhood Trauma1:58:28 Creating A Life Worth Living2:05:28 The Projects He Pours His Time Into2:10:43 Coyote, a Game of Connection2:19:50 Diversifying Your Business & Self2:23:18 Rapid Fire Questions2:36:20 Conclusion___________Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/timferriss/https://www.explodingkittens.com/products/coyotehttps://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

World-renowned psychiatrist and author Dr. Iain McGilchrist explores the profound truth about the left and right hemispheres of the brain, and why understanding their relationship can change the way you see yourself, others, and the world.We go far beyond the popular myths of “creative right brain” vs “logical left brain.” Dr. McGilchrist reveals how the two hemispheres actually work together to shape perception, meaning, and even our experience of the sacred.This is a conversation about imagination, intuition, and truth... and about what we lose when the left hemisphere dominates our culture. From education and consciousness to the future of humanity, Dr. McGilchrist shows how rebalancing our relationship to the brain can awaken a deeper, more fulfilling way of living.https://fractalforest.co/knowthyself to get your free Shilajit Todayhttps://livemomentous.com and use code KNOWTHYSELF for up to 35% off the best creatine in the gameAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________0:00 Intro 2:02 The Brain is Split in Two... Here's Why it Matters15:57 Right Hemisphere: Wisdom & Intuition24:00 The Problem with Reductionism 31:02 How Truth is Found in Paradox38:24 The World the Left vs Right Hemisphere Creates49:20 Ad: Fractal Forest50:51 By Grasping for Life, You're Missing Your Life55:52 Your Relationship to Life Shapes Your Life 1:06:20 Attention is Your Most Valuable Resource1:15:52 Ad: Momentous Creatine1:17:00 Defining & Experiencing the Sacred1:27:38 How Our Education System Should be Structured1:38:57 The Power of Imagination & Intuition1:57:13 Accessing Higher Information Through Consciousness2:07:30 Difference of Information, Knowledge, & Understanding 2:19:56 What it Means to Know Thyself2:26:22 Expanding the Self, Love & Oneness2:36:56 Suffering & Meaning of Life2:42:46 His Message for Humanity2:48:06 Conclusion___________Episode Resources: https://channelmcgilchrist.com/home/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

When life feels confusing or heavy, it’s often because we’re living out of alignment with what truly matters to us. In this episode, world-renowned human behavior expert Dr. John Demartini explains how to uncover your highest values, dissolve self-sabotage, and see the hidden order behind life’s challenges.We explore why setbacks are actually stepping stones, how comparison keeps you from your unique genius, and why clarity comes from asking the right questions. From the search for meaning to the science of values, Dr. Demartini offers timeless wisdom on how to transform confusion into clarity and fear into love.Integrative Psychology Mastershttps://integpsych.org/therapyBook a One to One callhttps://integpsych.org/support20% off Pique Life Tea:https://www.piquelife.com/knowthyselfAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________0:00 Intro 1:41 Discover the Hidden Order to Life: Transcend Infatuation & Judgement10:45 Becoming Conscious, Seeing Life Objectively17:37 Impactful Questions for Self Inquiry29:47 The Cost of Living Out of Alignment32:30 Ad: Integrative Psychology Masters33:47 Go From Comparison to Unique Genius39:49 Discover Your Values with This Process47:40 Setbacks are not IN the way... They're ON the way.53:36 Are Our Lives Significant? Big Picture & Nihilism 1:01:45 Ad: PiqueLife1:03:15 The Meaning of Life1:09:50 Religion, Essential Self, & The Big Bang1:13:52 How to Prioritize What Matters in Your Life1:26:15 Delegating What's NOT Meaningful to You 1:33:18 Embark On Your Personal Journey of Living Aligned1:37:35 Defining the Essence of Wisdom1:41:04 Most Influential Books & Teachers for Him1:44:28 Learn How to Learn & Integrate Information1:57:08 What Is An Original Idea? 2:02:56 Conclusion ___________Episode Resources: https://drdemartini.comhttps://www.instagram.com/drjohndemartini/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart returns to share insights from her new book, Signs. After the death of her husband, Tara began experiencing profound synchronicities and communications from beyond that reshaped how she sees grief, love, and consciousness itself.Together we explore the 34 hidden human senses science is beginning to uncover, how to discern real signs from coincidence, and why our names, dreams, and even scents hold deeper meaning than we realize. Tara bridges rigorous science with mystical experience, showing us how signs can offer healing, guidance, and connection with those we’ve lost.BonCharge Red light therapy:Go to https://boncharge.com/knowthyself and use coupon code KNOWTHYSELF to save 15%BiOptimizer's Magnesium Breakthrough:For an exclusive offer, go to http://bioptimizers.com/knowthyself and use promo code knowthyself during checkout to save 15 percent.Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________0:00 Intro 1:49 Beyond the 5 Senses: 34 Hidden Abilities9:11 How Death Showed Her the Mystery of Reality, Signs & Consciousness 19:12 Facing the Grief of Her Husband’s Death26:02 Communicating with Diseased Loved Ones31:31 Ad: Boncharge Redlight32:34 An Amazing Sign Sent From Her Father36:50 Discerning Coincidence Vs. Real Signs40:29 Mechanism Behind Getting Signs46:45 Rigorous Discernment & Mysticism55:58 How Beauty & Nature Evokes Wellbeing in Us1:02:16 What Scent Reveals About Attraction1:05:22 Ad: BiOptimizers1:06:38 How Trauma Lives in the Body1:20:40 Leverage Lucid Dreaming & Darkness Retreats for Change1:27:07 Plant Medicine & Altered States of Consciousness1:35:13 Studying Extra Sensory Perception1:39:48 How Our Names Shape Us1:44:26 Building a Life of Significance 1:48:43 Conclusion___________Episode Resources: New Book: https://m.cmpgn.page/7fzHPBhttps://www.instagram.com/drtaraswart/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

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Charlie Houpert explores what charisma really is, and how it goes far beyond charm or surface-level tricks. Charlie shares the 6 rules of charisma, breaks down different types of magnetic personalities, and reflects on his own journey from shy and reserved to outgoing and confident. He also explores how charisma can become something greater moving through you—pointing toward surrender, purpose, and connecting with something bigger than yourself. We touch on ayahuasca, self-acceptance, the blocks many men face, and the process of letting go of old identities to uncover your unique gifts.Try MUDWTR & Get Up to 43% off + a free frother:https://mudwtr.com/knowthyselfMomentous Creatine - Use Code KNOWTHYSELF for Up to 35% Offhttps://www.livemomentous.comAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________0:00 Intro 2:38 Why Charisma Matters for Everyone7:16 Becoming Natural in Your Own Skin12:40 6 Rules of Charisma to Light Up a Room25:10 Different Types of Charismatic People30:07 How He Went From Shy to Outgoing33:58 Ad: Mudwtr34:53 Making a Lasting Impression in Small Talk41:02 Having Strategy Without Being Inauthentic46:13 Speech, Body Language, and Where it Goes Too Far51:12 Ayahuasca & Self Acceptance56:00 Overcoming the Biggest Blocks for Men1:04:12 Charisma as Something Greater Moving Through You1:06:53 Ad: Momentous Creatine1:08:01 Surrendering to Our Life’s Mission1:18:07 Connecting to Something Bigger1:24:16 Letting Go of An Old Identity 1:27:06 Developing Our Capacity to Listen to What Life is Asking1:34:50 Benefits and Harm of Psychedelics1:39:43 Uncovering Your Unique Gifts 1:47:58 Conclusion ___________Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/charliehoupert/https://www.youtube.com/charismaoncommandhttps://www.charismaoncommand.com/cu-new/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Comedian and spiritual seeker Pete Holmes joins us for a conversation that weaves together humor, mysticism, and the search for truth. Pete opens up about his journey from growing up in a fundamentalist Christian household to having life-altering psychedelic experiences that redefined his understanding of God and religion. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond belief into direct experience, why we can never truly be separate from the divine, and how comedy can serve as both healing and revelation.Try Pique Life tea and save 20% for life & get a free frother:https://www.piquelife.com/KnowThyselfStart your free trial with Wix:https://bit.ly/3SXG2qKAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________0:00 Intro 2:46 Asking the Deeper Questions in Life6:27 From Fundamentalist Christian to Psychedelic Experience 11:29 Reinterpreting Religion through the Lens of the Mystical17:10 The Prodigal Son: Reclaiming Our Birthright22:02 Go From Belief to Direct Experience26:50 His Experience on the George Janko Podcast28:41 Ad: PiqueLife30:05 How His Understanding of God Has Changed34:45 Mental Exercise for Experience the “I am”40:36 We Can Never Be Separate from God45:10 Existential Comedy & Wondering at Life’s Mysteries55:28 Ad: Wix56:30 Balancing Being Spiritual & Being Human1:00:05 Lessons from Psychedelic Experiences 1:07:12 The Power & Responsibility of Comedy1:18:27 Are Comedians Traumatized?1:23:03 Future of Comedy in a Changing World1:32:40 Conclusion___________Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/peteholmes/https://www.youtube.com/@peteholmeshttps://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com