Derek Sivers podcast
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Season 4
Why are my best friends Jewish?
This is a real question. I don’t know the answer and I’m curious.
One big choice shapes a hundred more
I was 36, and had been living in Portland for two years. I saw an amazing house for sale — really amazing — stunning design, ideal location on the edge of the city, and its backyard was the start of a huge state park. I had a visceral reaction.
Come and get me (both you and AI)
I’m going for the double meaning of “get me” that also means “understand me”.
I’m in the final third of my life
According to statistics, I’m in the final third of my life. (I don’t expect to beat the odds, because I inherited a cancer-creating genetic disorder.) So maybe it’s the final quarter.
I love the contradiction of religions
Because I was raised with no religion, I used to think they were all ridiculous.
The first time I met someone who believes in God
My parents never mentioned God or any religion. Not necessarily atheist — nothing against. The subject just never came up.
Dismissed!
Dismissing gives me a quick little lift.
I hated Dubai until I learned about it
Dubai was in my “Top 5 places where I NEVER want to go”. I heard it was commercialized hedonism, glorified overindulgence, pandering to millionaires and influencers — extravagance and opulence. Everything I hate. That’s why I had never gone there.
To question is to consider, not refute
Tomorrow you have plans to go to an event with a friend. You made the plans a month ago. You ask your friend, “Do you still want to go?”
Rats are surprisingly sweet pets
I used to live in a basement apartment, next to the trash room. Rats were often blocking my door, and I could hear them walking in the ceiling right above me as I slept. I hated them so much that I happily killed as many as I could, with no remorse.
We don’t need to use what we make
For many years, I was a touring musician, performing live on stage every week. But I didn’t like attending concerts. I liked making music more than listening to music. I felt I must be in the wrong line of work, creating something that I don’t consume. I never reconciled this feeling.
Wealth = Have ÷ Want
Not a new idea, but just another visualization and reminder.
How to make the best possible translation of a book?
You know that frustration of reading a book that should have been an article? Me too. So I try to do the opposite — to write so succinctly that you wish I would have said a little more. You complete it with your own thoughts.
the best book ever written
I’ve asked my favorite musicians if, when they’re done writing a new song, they feel it’s the best song ever. All of them said yes.
Ben Kihnel
I just got the call from the super-connected Alex Steininger that our mutual friend Ben Kihnel died in his sleep. He was only 48.
Esperanto, Toki Pona, Swahili, Indonesian
This is a lukewarm little story with a few connected bits, but it might be interesting or even helpful. Follow the links in it, for full effect. Esperanto start
walk and talk
Kevin Kelly invited me to walk 100 kilometers (62 miles) through northern Thailand for seven days, ending in Chiang Mai. Walking with us were ten other smart interesting people, including five other authors whose work I’ve loved for years. It’s a “Walk and Talk”.
dashing dog, searching for purpose
People search for their passion or purpose. But “purpose” and “passion” are words we use when we’re not working.
The joy and freedom of harmlessly upsetting social norms
My band was playing a gig in Oslo, Norway, when I struck up a conversation with a woman who was staring at me. Turns out we had read many of the same books, and we were super-attracted to each other. We talked all night, but just as things got physical in my hotel room, house-keeping came knocking on the door saying we needed to check out now. Right now. Damn.
Why I let go of my U.S. citizenship
I forbid myself from anything too tempting or addicting. I keep no cookies in my home. To prevent myself from falling off the wagon, I strap myself to the mast.
the Michael Browne suits
In 2020, I was about to move to New York City. I wanted to get to know all of its ethnic enclaves, like visiting the whole world in one city. But I know I have a tendency to stay at home, immersed in my work.
Thinking something nice about someone? Tell them.
When you think something nice about someone, you should tell them.
50 conversations in Bangalore and Chennai
February 13 through 21, 2023, I went to Chennai and Bengaluru, India. My sole purpose was to meet new friends. I’m an “Overseas Citizen of India” and my son is half-Indian (Tamil). I will always have ties to India. I wanted to deepen those ties and make new connections.
Explorers are bad leaders
Explorers poke through the unknown, experimenting, trying many little dead-ends.
Travelling just for the people
When I was 21, I moved to New York City.
Want anonymity? Make a persona not a mystery.
Because of my open inbox, I meet a lot of strangers. I love it. Almost everyone tells me who and where they are in the world. If they don’t, I wonder.
I want to lose every debate.
My favorite moments in life are when someone shows me a new perspective — a way of thinking I had never considered.
Conversations with Tyler Cowen
Tyler Cowen is my favorite interviewer of all-time. His interviewing style has spoiled me for all others. He creates a tasting feast for the mind.
Reading the Bible start to finish
I like going to the source. Like finding musicians’ influences, and getting to know that music too. Same with film, art, philosophy, and technology.
Season 3
make believe
Kids scream, “Monster in the hallway!”, and hide behind the couch. They stack up cushions for protection, and plan their defense. They know it’s not true — there’s not really a monster in the hallway — but it’s exciting to feel the adrenaline of panic, then make a shelter and feel safe.
a daily run, part two
In my previous post, “a daily run” — (please read it first) — running was a metaphor for whatever actions you take in your life. The story is about how we choose beliefs because they’re useful, not true. Beliefs make emotions. Emotions make actions.
a daily run, part one
Every day you go on a long run through the forest.
Your explanations are not true
We all confabulate without realizing it.
shortest date, and ketchup
Here’s a story about my shortest date, and ketchup.
Anything You Want — third edition for 2022
In 2011, I got a phone call from a number I didn’t recognize.
scuba, panic, empathy
I used to scoff at those people who had panic attacks. “The cake is late! Oh no! I’m freaking out! I can’t breathe!” Ridiculous. Hysterical. Over-reacting.
writing one sentence per line
My advice to anyone who writes: Try writing one sentence per line. I’ve been doing it for twenty years, and it improved my writing more than anything else.
the joke that changed my life
Growing up in America, I didn’t know much about other cultures.
Ancestors, Luck, and Descendants
My Sivers ancestors came from Grantham, Lincolnshire, England on a boat to America in 1849. The boat crashed on rocks in the Irish sea, caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean, got pushed off course repeatedly by storms, and finally landed in New Orleans after two months. New Orleans was overcome with cholera, so they hopped a steam boat up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. Cholera killed nine passengers and the pilot of the boat. Days after they arrived in St. Louis, the city caught fire so they escaped in a covered wagon to Glenwood Iowa, finally arriving after three more months. In 1890, one of their sons ventured to the wild west of Colorado to pursue an opportunity.
Why I left America
I was living on the beach in Santa Monica, California, and life was perfect. I was in paradise, and deeply happy.
Considerate book pricing
I love having my own store so I can make things the way I think they should be.
How many pets do you have?
I used to have too many pets.
$250K books sold. $250K to save lives.
Six weeks ago I emailed my private email list with a secret link to buy my new books.
Season 2
Transformative Principal: Jethro Jones
On education, parenting, and encouraging focus
Go subscribe at jethrojones.com
Productivityist: Mike Vardy
Why I don’t like holidays, How to Live, how constraints give you more freedom
Go subscribe at productivityist.com
The Speaking Show: David Newman
Making a shift in your life, goals, a specific plan to only do what makes you happy, being rich
Go subscribe at doitmarketing.com
Long Distance Love Bombs: Jeremy Goldberg
Big fun questions. Five types of thinking and how to improve them, achieving success and motivation, deliberate daydreaming.
Go subscribe at longdistancelovebombs.com
Pausecast: Rachel O’Meara
A guided pause, living life as a series of grand experiments, asking yourself questions, possible futures, and the Muppets
Go subscribe at rachaelomeara.com
Elevate Podcast: Robert Glazer
Success, radical honesty, doing the things that scare you, why I love changing my mind
Go subscribe at robertglazer.com
Vitamin Joy: Shelby Stanger
How to say no, the importance of reflection, and joy.
Go subscribe at anchor.fm
Cold Email Outreach: Jeremy Chatelaine and Jack Reamer
Tips on connecting with people through email.
Go subscribe at quickmail.io
On the Map Music: T. Jay Johnson
Why music can’t speak for itself, never underestimate the power of imitating a great song, why I love the underrated, behind the scenes heroes in music.
Go subscribe at wordplaytjay.com
Knowledge Project: Shane Parrish
Directives, 2¢, reading, mental models, Tony Robbins, living a meaningful life and the biggest mistake I ever made
Go subscribe at fs.blog
Far Out: Julie-Roxane Krikorian and Alasdair Plambeck
Local vs. global, why we travel, singing the counter melody, freedom, expired identities.
Go subscribe at thefarout.life
Disruptive Entrepreneur: Rob Moore
Fun questions. Ideas versus execution, why business is about being generous, amplifying your niche, my one wish for everyone on the Internet.
Go subscribe at omny.fm/shows/the-disruptive-entrepreneur
Erno Hannink Show: Erno Hannink
Being prepared for the worst, why I like email, writing, being succinct
Go subscribe at ernohannink.nl
Ali Abdaal: Deep Dive
One of my favorite people. On friendship, writing, music, goals, and more. My last interview of the season.
Notes at notion.soor subscribe to Ali at YouTube.
Inside Education: Seán Delaney
Education and learning. Why being smart is a choice, the qualities of a great teacher, how I learn, focus, tech independence, my future projects.
Go subscribe at seandelaney.com/podcasts
You are techY: Ellen Twomey
Women in tech, parenting + learning, procrastination, goals, and tech independence.
Go subscribe at youaretechy.com
What You Will Learn: Adam Ashton
Fun conversation. Reading, what makes a great book, the definition of a philosopher, how to get rich, being meta-considerate.
Go subscribe at whatyouwilllearn.com
Music Tech Fest: Andrew Dubber
Music, CD Baby, my past, etc.
Go subscribe at musictechfest.net
Inspired Money: Andy Wang
How to be wealthy at $500/month, focus time vs making time, and what's enough.
Go subscribe at blog.runnymede.com
Yo! Podcast: Rob Hope
Wonderful conversation with lots of music references. Why your favorite things are magic spells, Hendrix is like Darwin, and you should remove the marketing from your website.
Go subscribe at robhope.com
Yoga Talks: J Brown
On balance, viewpoints, play, formative times, screen time, focus, curiosity, self-expansion
Go subscribe at jbrownyoga.com
Famous Failures: Orzan Varol
Dealing with criticism, how quantity leads to quality, separating decisions from the outcomes, why I don’t believe in failure.
Go subscribe at ozanvarol.com
Flowgrade: Max Gotzler
How to maintain flow and keep your momentum, How to Live, time and schedules
Go subscribe at flowgrade.de
Live Your Mission: Peter Awad
Great interview with smart questions. How to make the difficult things fun, my thoughts on money, failure, finding your mission.
Go subscribe at missionmeats.co
Live Wild or Die: Dan Vinson
Fitness, consumerism, creative travel, how to live, school, hot-and-cold, discipline, and the importance of nature.
Go subscribe at monkii.podbean.com
Smart Brand Marketing: Tom Libelt
Centered around a topic I really care about: focus and distraction. Tips for eliminating distractions, monk mode, when playing hooky is a good thing, why we should commit to a problem but not the solution, building willpower and discipline, deliberate consumption
Go subscribe at smartbrandmarketing.com
Balancing Dads: Mike McQuaid and Paul Campbell
The most I’ve ever talked about parenting. Fun conversation.
Go subscribe at balancingdads.com
Renaissance Life: Josh Waggoner
A travel alternative, being creative, making money, serving others, finding the opposite point of view
Go subscribe at renaissancelife.com
The Darius Foroux Show: Darius Foroux
Caring about the things no one else cares about, solitude, why I enjoy changing my mind, knowing when to quit, why no one invites me to parties
Go subscribe at dariusforoux.com
Indie Music Marketing: Richard Hearn
Timeless marketing strategies for artists: Launch before you’re ready, let people see you improve, keep in touch with hundreds of people, remember that marketing is the last extension of your art
Go subscribe at indiemusicmarketing.co.uk
Gap Year for Grown-Ups: Debbie Weil
Why I respond to every email, ignoring the daily and looking at the big picture instead, why difficult times are great catalysts for personal reinvention.
Go subscribe at debbieweil.com
Modern Wisdom: Chris Williamson
Smart conversation. Why minimalism is considerate, how to make your website future-proof, how to stop procrastinating, achieving excellence, why truth isn’t succinct, why I’m self-publishing
Go subscribe at apple.co/2MNqIgw
Making It: Chris Goyzueta
Fun conversation about music. Creative ways to pursue your music career, developing an alter ego, mastering distraction, how the only wrong choice is to do nothing, faking it as an introvert, mentors.
Go subscribe at makingitwithchrisg.com
Misfits: Bryan Victor Lim
48 rapid-fire questions about dating, Singapore, value, and life
Go subscribe at bryanvictor.com
Productivity for Perfectionists: Deborah Hurwitz
The difference between what you want now and what you want most, letting go of goals, getting things done, why I’m never busy, when to focus and when to explore
Future Thinkers: Mike Gilliland and Euvie Ivanova
Really fun conversation. Lots of topics I rarely talk about. Building your values, learning and growth, How to Live and my directives, leaving a legacy through what you create, being a life explorer, minimalism
Go subscribe at futurethinkers.org/derek-sivers
Asia Professional Speakers Singapore: APSS
Private call to an association of professional speakers. Tips for giving a good talk, building an audience, keeping people surprised, being social as an introvert, sharing one idea at a time, how inspiration meets us halfway
Info at asiaspeakers.org
Jordan Paris: Growth Mindset University
Introversion, world travel, writing, learning & creating as ultimate values, and a new definition of retirement
Go subscribe at jordanparis.com
Erich Wenzel: Feeding Curiosity
Different approaches to curiosity, self-reliance, becoming a world citizen, seeing things from a different point of view
Go subscribe at feedingcuriosity.net
Matt Ward: The Disruptors
Our competitive advantage over AI, minimalism, why you should think like a geologist with technology, and more
Go subscribe at disruptors.fm.
Mojo Radio: Gary and Robbo
Beliefs expire. Add value to others. Understand what works for you. You don’t need more. Operating at a different pace, and more. Fun talk.
Go subscribe at themojoradioshow.com
Brian Funk: Music Production
Making music and the creative process. Really fun conversation.
Go subscribe at brianfunk.com
Jovana Miljanovic: Podcast
Changing identities, tea, thinking through things slowly, why you shouldn’t be attached to plans
Scott Perry: Creative on Purpose
How goals shape our actions, accidental success, work as a public service, Sethlings, and listening to your audience.
Go subscribe at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-the-modern-stoics/id1250842005
John Fitch: Time Off
subtracting to add value, unlearning, play as work, shallow happy vs. deep happy, doing what you want most
Go subscribe at https://timeoffbook.com/#Podcast
Jeremy Ryan Slate: Create Your Own Life
Living abroad, Stoicism, why you should write your own autobiography
Go subscribe at jeremyryanslate.com
Cathy Heller: Don’t Keep Your Day Job
Great conversation on letting go of goals, developing laser focus for the most impact, finding a different angle on perseverance, questioning your own answers
Go subscribe at dontkeepyourdayjob.com
Sam Matla: EDM Prod
Music: creative process, motivation, originality, and smart career building.
Go subscribe at edmprod.com
Amy Jo Martin: Why Not Now
on slow thinking, how actions reveal your true values, goal-letting vs. goal-setting
Go subscribe at amyjomartin.com
Ariel Hyatt: Cyber PR Music
First interview in over three years. About being an introvert in the music industry, finding balance as a creative, the benefits of a stage name, and conferences.
Go subscribe at cyberprmusic.com
Season 1
Time is personal. Your year changes when your life changes.
A new day begins when I wake up, not at midnight.
That’s version infinity. First launch version 0.1.
I hear lots of business plans.
Is there such a thing as too much freedom?
I’ve always used freedom as the compass to guide my decisions.
Sprezzatura
Watch Elizabeth Gilbert’s great TED talk called “Your elusive creative genius”.
How to take a compliment
You would think this would be a basic life skill, but it seems almost nobody knows it, so please spread the word.
And if only 1% of those people…
A musician had manufactured 10,000 copies of his CD in anticipation of 10,000 orders that were sure to come through that week.
How I became Ryuichi Sakamoto’s guitarist
In 1991 I was 22 years old, and had moved to New York City to be a professional musician.
Sammy Cahn said thank you
In 1990, at the age of 20, I moved to New York City and got a job as the tape room guy for Warner/Chappell Music Publishing.
Human Intervention as a Competitive Advantage
The listening algorithm
Experiments in music and life
One approach to music is to do whatever you want.
Cross the world four times
Cross the world four times.
My old clothes don’t fit
I was uncomfortable, unhappy, and restless.
The art of selfishness
David grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with five brothers and sisters.
Doors and windows and what’s real
Like everyone, I live in a little house with many doors and windows.
Benefits of a daily diary and topic journals
You know those people whose lives are transformed by meditation or yoga or something like that?
How I got rich on the other hand
I don’t usually talk about money, but a friend asked me what it was like to get rich, and he wanted to know specifics, so I told him my story.
When in doubt, try the difference
If you’re in doubt about something that’s not in your life, try it.
Why experts are annoying
When someone becomes an expert at something, you know what else they become?
What you learn by travelling
I wanted to learn about the world, so I went travelling.
PostgreSQL example of self-contained stored procedures
First, see my previous article about PostgreSQL functions at sivers.org/pg.
Mastery school
Here’s an idea.
Monthly self-expansion project
Here’s an idea.
Living according to your hierarchy of values
My “daily” blog was silent the last four days, because I took my kid on a spontaneous trip to another country.
How to ask your mentors for help
I have three mentors.
When you win the game, you stop playing
Someone asked me today why I don’t charge money for the things I do.
Digital pollution
You couldn’t just roll down the street leaving huge piles of garbage everywhere you go, making life slower for everyone as they climb over your mountains of junk, just to get on with their life.
Cut out everything that’s not surprising
This is my advice to anyone writing something for the public — especially a talk on stage.
Heed your fears
People often ask me how they can get over their fears.
Daydreaming is my favorite pastime
Somewhere in our past, we were told it’s bad to daydream, because it meant doing nothing — staring out the window — instead of doing what we’re supposed to be doing.
Anti-chameleon
I don’t know why I have this rebellious nature.
Where we do and don’t want automation
I used to use Gmail.
Human nature to focus on the one bad thing
Today my bus was delayed, and I was really annoyed.
Back and forth between super-hot and super-cold
The most relaxed feeling I know is after going back and forth between a super-hot pool and super cold pool.
Err on the side of action, to test theories
I spend a lot time thinking of alternate ways to approach life.
Blowing off work to play
What do you call it when you skip school or work for a day, to do whatever you want instead?
What happens when we ignore plans?
I took my 7-year-old to London today.
Tour -isms
Since I’m living in Europe now, I thought it would be good to tour everywhere in Europe, and get to know it better.
Meta-considerate
My friend has a huge crush on someone.
Daydreaming the downside, for once
A few years ago, I thought it would be fun to get into camping.
Where to find the hours to make it happen
When you experience someone else’s genius work, a little part of you feels, “That’s what I could have, would have, and should have done!”
Your heroes show which way you’re facing
People with many interests often ask my advice on which industry or career path they should follow.
Don’t quote. Make it yours and say it yourself.
Which sounds better to you?
Have a private email account
I used to like the internet.
Future posthumous autobiography
I’ve started writing my autobiography.
What I did belies why
Imagine you host a dinner party with two doctors and two accountants.
Would you make your art if you were the last person on earth?
Musicians, photographers, writers, and artists of all sorts…
Travel without social praise
I met a couple who were thinking of quitting their jobs and travelling the world for a year.
Travel without a phone
The first time, it was an accident.
initialize
I’m starting a podcast today.