Modern Wisdom

Chris Williamson hosts a biohacking roundtable with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Ben Greenfield, and Brigham Buhler. The discussion covers the most effective peptides for health and muscle, emerging technologies like MUSE stem cells, the controversy around testosterone therapy, the peptide ban, and lifestyle interventions for longevity. Listeners gain a broad overview of cutting-edge biohacking tools and the ongoing tension between health freedom and regulatory protection.

Psychiatrist and ADHD specialist Dr. Sasha Hamdani dives into the experience of being highly emotionally sensitive. She unpacks Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), the Highly Sensitive Person trait, and the biological and environmental factors that shape sensitivity. The conversation covers why some people need constant reassurance, the impact of uncertainty, how emotional sensitivity can be a strength, and practical strategies for regulation.

Dr Stan Tatkin joins Chris to discuss the neuroscience of romantic attachment and how couples can repair emotional wounds quickly. He explains why romantic relationships are uniquely neurochemically challenging and why love alone isn't sufficient. The conversation covers resentment accumulation, the importance of explicit agreements, and the role of self-love in building secure partnerships.

Entrepreneur and investor Codie Sanchez lays out how to build a business that can operate without you. She argues that the biggest lie about getting rich is that a high salary is the path to wealth; true wealth comes from owning assets and systems. The conversation covers the evolution every business owner must go through, why stepping back is more powerful than diving in more, how to relinquish control and trust staff, the realistic role of AI in small businesses, and practical strategies for finding and hiring great employees.

Chris is joined by geopolitical experts Jiang Xueqin, Robert Pape, and George Friedman to debate the biggest threats to global peace. The conversation spans America’s future as a superpower, the risk of domestic civil unrest, and the escalating conflict with Iran. They also explore how population collapse could reshape geopolitics and the alarming prospects of nuclear escalation.

Chris Williamson is joined by Jimmy Carr, George Mack, and Harry Dry for the fifth Rabbit Hole experiment—a free‑ranging conversation that bounces from a real‑life Mexican Batman to the economics of the British pound, Victorian slang, the craft of comedy writing, the transactional nature of relationships, and whether smartphones have stolen our ability to be bored. The panel also ponders a Jimmy Carr prime‑ministerial run, the upside of being cancelled, why Americans are more optimistic than Brits, and how GLP‑1 drugs are rendering gastric band surgery obsolete.

In this episode, Chris Williamson sits down with Kanika Batra, who is diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (sociopathy). She offers a rare look into the mind of a sociopath, discussing what emotions she does and doesn't feel, why revenge and status are central motivators, and what dating and relationships look like from her perspective. The conversation also touches on manipulation in dating, the limits of self-awareness, and whether she ever wishes she could feel 'normal' emotions.

Dr. David Sinclair discusses the frontier of age-reversal science, including a first-of-its-kind human trial to reverse blindness using cellular reprogramming. The conversation covers the biology of aging as a treatable disease, why Sinclair believes scientists are closer than ever to radical life extension, and the lifestyle interventions he personally prioritizes—from fasting and specific exercise protocols to reframing the debate around protein intake and longevity. The episode also examines controversial longevity drugs like metformin and NAD boosters, explores the potential of GLP-1 agonists to protect against dementia, and unpacks the psychological impact of believing you can influence your own aging trajectory.

Johnny Chang shares his harrowing journey from a 12-year-old entering the gang life, through over a decade in California's youth and adult prison systems, to becoming a pastor. The conversation covers the brutal realities of prison survival, the hidden status hierarchies among inmates, and the manipulative nature of institutional violence. Johnny describes the psychological challenges of re-entering society—the habits hardest to unlearn and why freedom itself became terrifying. The episode then explores his transformative turn to Christianity, including how he found purpose, the courage required for forgiveness, and what his childhood self would think of the man he is today.

In this episode of Modern Wisdom, Chris Williamson reunites with Jocko Willink, Matt McCusker, and Jeff Dye for their third Mostly Wise installment. The conversation spans military life, including Navy SEAL training, the use of dolphins in warfare, and the 25mm sniper rifle that no one would build. They also delve into personal topics like sobriety, the challenges of dating, and the surreal experience of waking up to the Iraq War. It's a mix of humor, storytelling, and candid reflections on life and conflict.

Chris Williamson hosts a debate between AI futurist Zack Kass, physicist and former poker champion Liv Boeree, and AI writer Aric Floyd about what the world will look like in 2040. The panel wrestles with whether humanity survives the arrival of superintelligent AI, which jobs will persist, how people find purpose in a post-work world, and the dangers of centralized AI power. They explore the tension between AI's potential to unlock human flourishing and its capacity to erode the friction that gives life meaning.

Daniel Lieberman, a Harvard professor of human evolutionary biology and paleoanthropologist, joins Modern Wisdom to examine diet through the lens of evolution. The conversation covers why people treat nutrition like a religion, the evidence for vegan, carnivore, and Mediterranean approaches, and why Blue Zone longevity claims may not hold up. He also discusses cooking, farming, food labels, and the modern struggle with overweight. The episode weighs whether GLP-1 medications are an artificial fix for a real problem and outlines shared principles behind sustainable healthy diets.

The second Mostly Wise episode brings Hunter Biden together with comedians Matt McCusker and Duncan Trussell for a wide-ranging conversation that mixes politics, conspiracy theories, and personal disclosure. Hunter Biden gives his account of the leaked laptop story and discusses addiction, shame, and what has helped him stay sober. The group also explores presidential power, Joe Biden's fitness for office, the Democratic Party's next two years, and various strange scenarios involving the White House and the Trump family. The tone moves between absurd hypotheticals, speculative conspiracy talk, and candid recovery material.

Comedian Jimmy Carr joins Chris Williamson to discuss mental health, the nature of comedy, and societal issues. Carr argues that many people diagnosed with depression are actually living a misaligned life, and that radical change can be more effective than medication. The conversation covers rising anxiety, the burden of too many choices, and why broken promises erode trust. They also explore the craft of comedy, including the mechanics of jokes and why anyone can learn to be funny.

Chris Williamson answers listener questions in a solo Q&A, celebrating hitting 4.3 million YouTube subscribers. He touches on his thoughts about having kids eventually, the story behind a curious encounter with the 'Night Wolf Hawk,' a quick health update, why his hairstyle keeps changing, and reflections from a one-week silent meditation retreat. The episode is a mix of personal updates and light-hearted introspection.

Chris Williamson hosts evolutionary biologist Macken Murphy, evolutionary psychologist Steve Stewart-Williams, and psychologist Rob Henderson for a roundtable on modern dating myths. They challenge claims about hypergamy, male attractiveness skew, and the fading of female desire, using evolutionary theory and research data. The discussion tackles when the 'ick' is a signal versus superficial noise, whether marriage is a better deal for men, and what dating app behavior truly reveals about human mating psychology. The panelists bring separate areas of expertise to debunk popular misconceptions and ground dating advice in science.

Independent journalist Peter Santenello shares what he learned about America from traveling to 85 different countries, revealing the unseen struggles of forgotten rural communities. He explores the realities of the drug crisis, the overlooked lessons from Amish life, and the most misunderstood communities in the country. The conversation examines how physical and cultural distance fuels division, and what stories emerge when you actually spend time in these places.

Retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Bill Thompson joins Chris Williamson to discuss the fragile state of privacy in an age of advanced surveillance and AI. He explains why even major tech companies like Apple can't be fully trusted with your data, how intelligence agencies exploit vulnerabilities, and why organizations hack themselves to stay ahead of adversaries. The conversation covers the accelerating use of AI by nation-states for espionage, the question of who the most surveilled people are, and whether technology's risks are outpacing its benefits. Thompson also shares insights from his own career transition from military intelligence to building a cybersecurity company.

In this episode, Chris Williamson interviews writer and YouTuber Jett Franzen about the hidden barriers that prevent people from achieving the life they desire. They explore the pitfalls of over-medication, the dual nature of solitude, the danger of ambitious but undisciplined individuals, the victim mentality, the hedonic treadmill, and Franzen's clash with the incel community. The conversation offers practical insights on building resilience and taking ownership of your life.

Dr. Darby Saxbe explores the profound psychological and physiological changes men experience when becoming fathers. While postpartum depression in mothers is well-documented, paternal postpartum depression remains largely unrecognized despite affecting many men. The episode examines what happens to male hormones, cognition, and emotional regulation after a child is born, why some fathers struggle more than others, and how men can navigate this major life transition.

Dr Stephen Porges, a neuroscientist and psychologist, explains polyvagal theory—how the vagus nerve shapes our nervous system states and our ability to feel safe. The episode covers why your nervous system gets stuck in fight-or-flight, what genuine safety signals are, how animals calm humans, and practical approaches to nervous system regulation without over-hacking.

Annie Jacobsen argues that while nuclear war has long been the ultimate existential threat, a biological attack could be far more insidious, spreading silently and causing chaos without a single explosion. Drawing on declassified intelligence, Soviet bioweapon history, and COVID-19 lessons, she maps the likely first 24 hours of a leak and the rapid descent into anarchy within six days. The conversation examines why bioweapons remain a blind spot for governments and what makes the perfect biological agent. Jacobsen also reveals the Soviet attempt to create a euphoric plague, underscoring the dark creativity of state-run programs.

David Senra, host of Founders podcast and investor, breaks down the repeatable patterns that separate exceptional founders from everyone else. Rather than relying on luck alone, the best founders share consistent thinking habits, work methodologies, and approaches to pressure and failure. Senra distills insights from studying hundreds of founders into 14 actionable patterns: from ruthless focus and self-betting to how they listen, avoid problems before solving them, and maintain clarity on what success actually means to them.

Historian Alex Petkas unpacks the real story behind Homer's Odyssey—the world that shaped it, the women who drove its plot, and the timeless lessons about justice, cunning, and family at its core. As the epic returns to cinema, Petkas explores what made Homer's tale resonate across 2,800 years, why Penelope may be the true hero, and how ancient patterns of revenge and homecoming still speak to modern life.

Chris Williamson sits down with writer George Mack for a wide-ranging conversation about the most important questions of our time. They meander from the origins of Cristiano Ronaldo's name to whether AI-generated stories should win writing awards, the truth behind California's gay certification program, and the incredible story of a chicken farmer who outsmarted Hitler. The discussion also touches on survivor's guilt, the nature of male homophobia, cash flow cycles, and the life lessons that repeatedly prove their worth.

Caleb Hammer, a personal finance YouTuber, joins Chris to discuss the state of personal finance across generations. They explore whether it's genuinely harder to manage money today, the hidden costs of bankruptcy, and why Gen Z carries more debt than previous generations. Caleb argues that most financial problems are psychological, with lifestyle inflation being a bigger trap than rising prices. He also shares the one financial milestone that creates the most happiness and red flags to watch for when dating.

Robert Wright, journalist and author, explores whether AI represents the next stage of human evolution or merely another tool. The conversation examines recent AI advances through an evolutionary lens, why most people underestimate what's coming, how AI fits into broader human development, legitimate concerns from AI doomers, and whether we're approaching singularity. Wright reframes AI not as a separate phenomenon but as a continuation of how intelligence has evolved across biological and cultural systems.

David Epstein explores why unlimited freedom often makes us feel overwhelmed rather than free. He makes the case that self-imposed constraints—whether in creative work, learning, or decision-making—can be a superpower. The conversation covers the 'Green Eggs and Ham' effect (how severe limitations unlocked Dr. Seuss's most iconic book), the doomed genius of the General Magic team, why fewer options can feel harder to choose from, and the point at which optimization tips into obsession. Throughout, Epstein argues that deciding what not to do is often more liberating than chasing more options.

Steve Stewart-Williams, evolutionary psychologist and author, explores the controversial topic of sex differences. He defines what sex is, examines the biological and social forces that shape differences, and explains the gender equality paradox—the counterintuitive finding that more egalitarian societies often show larger sex differences in personality and interests. The conversation covers the biggest psychological contrasts between men and women, including variance in reproductive success, parental investment, and the hidden motivations behind behavior. Stewart-Williams argues that recognizing differences is compatible with equal respect and opportunity, and that denying them can cause harm.

Vittorio Angelone, an Irish comedian and podcaster, discusses how his late autism diagnosis shaped his understanding of himself and his comedy. The conversation spans his experience of being diagnosed with autism as an adult, the challenge of authentic communication, cultural differences in humor between the UK and US, and why male-dominated comedy podcasts appeal to women. Angelone explores the intersection of neurodivergence, Irish identity, and being an only child as sources of his comedic voice.

Chris Williamson hosts a Rabbit Hole deep-dive with Tim Urban, Tim Ferriss, and George Mack. The conversation ranges from black holes and the vastness of the universe to South Korea’s government-funded looksmaxxing, why traditional education might be misleading, and whether kids should be banned from social media. Weirder tangents include Denny’s fist fights, Japanese handjob culture, and the psychology of regret. It’s a freewheeling, idea-packed roundtable that oscillates between cosmic awe and internet absurdity.

Alex Hormozi joins Chris Williamson to unpack hard-won lessons on business, resilience, and human behavior. Drawing from his popular X account, Hormozi shares frameworks for choosing the right hard things, taking radical responsibility, and maintaining momentum after the initial excitement fades. The conversation touches on courage, decision paralysis, the stories we tell ourselves, and why hard wins matter more. It's a dense guide to practical wisdom for anyone building a life or career.

Ben Askren, former Olympic wrestler and MMA champion, recounts the 18-month medical ordeal that led to a double lung transplant. After nearly dying from necrotising pneumonia, he shares the mental and physical challenges of recovery, how facing mortality reshaped his priorities and definition of success, and the lessons he held onto about resilience and fatherhood.

Sonja Lyubomirsky joins Modern Wisdom to explore the science of feeling loved. She explains why simply hearing 'I love you' often isn't enough, how validation and a sharing mindset are key to connection, and why receiving love is a skill that many overlook. The conversation touches on self-esteem, vulnerability, and the practical habits that make people feel truly seen and valued.

Journalist Ezra Klein joins Chris Williamson to discuss the state of American politics, the internal strife within the Democratic Party, and the challenges of the modern attention economy. They explore the missing left-wing media figure who could rival Joe Rogan's influence, the lack of clear leadership for 2028, the debate around AI regulation, and ways to detach from unproductive political anger in a divided landscape.

Suzanne Venker explores why many career-focused women feel unfulfilled, arguing that decades of cultural messaging misled women into prioritizing careers over family. She discusses the common regret of delaying motherhood, the pressures of competing on male terms, and the importance of marriage for happiness. The conversation also covers dating with purpose, the feasibility of children, and why the 'girlboss' mindset fails at home.

DJ Shipley, a retired Navy SEAL and former DEVGRU operator, discusses the profound challenge of transitioning from military life to civilian normalcy. The conversation covers the psychological toll of leaving behind purpose and brotherhood, the difficulty of deactivating combat hypervigilance, his suicide attempt and recovery through psychedelic therapy, and the personal costs—including divorce—that come with elite military service. A raw exploration of what happens when the mission ends and you're left with yourself.

Chris Williamson is joined by writer and entrepreneur George Mack to explore the hidden costs of overthinking. They discuss how excessive analysis can lead to inaction and missed opportunities, the cognitive traps that especially afflict smart people, and the quirks of British versus American culture. The conversation touches on music's effect on personality, why humans need stories, and how to recognize when you're living in an empire's decline.

Quinlan Walther joins Chris to explore the hidden psychology behind our romantic choices, arguing that the partners we pick reflect our deepest insecurities and unresolved wounds. They discuss why we often mistake anxiety for chemistry, how to distinguish between healthy standards and unrealistic expectations, and the steps needed to heal and attract healthier relationships. The conversation challenges common dating advice and offers a path toward building self-worth that transforms our love lives.

Arthur Brooks joins Chris Williamson to discuss the nature of meaning, why so many people feel empty despite success, and how to build a fulfilling life. They explore the difference between pleasure and purpose, the trap of seeking approval, and how to transform weaknesses into strengths. Brooks offers a framework for moving from meaningless drifting to intentional living.

Joe Santagato, comedian and podcaster behind The Basement Yard, discusses how raw self-belief and authenticity transformed his career—from building a cult podcast following to selling out Madison Square Garden. The conversation explores confidence-building, vulnerability, why his audience skews female, and the cultural shift that made trying hard uncool.

Zach Braff joins Chris Williamson to discuss his decades-long career in Hollywood. He shares insights from bringing back Scrubs, the trap of a defining role, and why reboots shouldn't rely solely on nostalgia. The conversation covers the hidden costs of success, the power of going all in, and how to turn weaknesses into strengths. Braff also reflects on the changing television landscape and the appeal of influencer culture.

Isabel Brown joins Chris Williamson to discuss the surprising conservative shift among Gen Z. They explore the rise of 'looksmaxxing' culture, the female mental health crisis, changing attitudes toward marriage and motherhood, and whether young people are rejecting the sexual revolution. Brown argues that Gen Z is increasingly embracing traditional values, questioning mainstream narratives around empowerment and family life.

Chris Williamson hosts a freewheeling discussion with Tim Ferriss, Nirav Sanjani, and George Mack, bouncing between topics like language quirks, memory, meaning, and AI consciousness. The experimental 'Rabbit Hole' format mixes philosophical questions with internet culture debates.

Chris Williamson answers fan questions across social media following hitting 4.2 million YouTube subscribers. Topics range from settling down and relationships to personal philosophy, memes, and rapid-fire takes on listener questions. A Q&A format showcasing his unfiltered perspectives on dating, commitment, and life philosophy.

Chase Hughes, a former Navy Chief and influence expert, joins Chris Williamson to break down the mechanics of psychological manipulation, brainwashing, and mass persuasion. The conversation explores why humans are so easily influenced, how social media and algorithms shape behavior at scale, and the interrogation techniques that override resistance. Hughes also shares frameworks for building rapport, projecting confidence, and reading body language to detect insecurities.

In this inaugural Mostly Wise episode, three comedians and a neuroscientist explore a wild range of topics spanning health, psychology, and modern culture. From the non-sexual benefits of erectile dysfunction medication to the manipulation tactics of reality TV, the conversation weaves between rigorous science and comedic absurdism, covering everything from why comedians make great actors to whether retardmaxxing (strategic delay) is an underrated life philosophy.

David Deida joins Chris Williamson to discuss his concept of the 'Man of Zero'—a phase of life where ambition wanes and emptiness emerges. He explains how this transition can lead to deeper freedom if embraced, rather than being filled with shallow pursuits. The conversation touches on shifting sexual dynamics at this stage, why men struggle with intimacy, and how discipline can serve a new purpose beyond external achievement.

Chris Williamson celebrates 1100 episodes of Modern Wisdom by distilling 19 core lessons from the show's archive. Topics span obsession, self-awareness, life direction, freedom, monk mode, sex differences, polyamory, and the concept of a 'true self.' This is a curated retrospective showcasing recurring themes that have defined the podcast.

A debate on the catastrophic consequences of falling global birth rates, featuring demographer Lyman Stone, pronatalist advocate Simone Collins, and data scientist Stephen J. Shaw. The conversation covers why birth rates are plummeting, why so many young women are choosing not to have children, the economic and social implications of population decline, and what policies might reverse the trend.

Chris Williamson sits down with Bob King, founder and CEO of Humanscale, to discuss the hidden health costs of office jobs. They explore whether bad posture is a design or discipline problem, the 'sitting is the new smoking' debate, and how workspace environment dictates movement habits. The conversation covers practical ergonomic adjustments, the impact of physical discomfort on cognitive performance, and the balance between sunlight and blue light exposure.

Ryan Garcia, WBC interim lightweight champion, sits down to discuss the person behind the viral moments and social media chaos. The conversation explores his path into boxing from childhood, the psychological demands of elite sport, how he recognized his life trajectory was spiraling out of control, the role of anger in combat performance, and his perspective on the modern boxing landscape shaped by figures like Jake Paul and changing regulatory structures.

Mark Manson, New York Times bestselling author, discusses 21 hard truths about life, relationships, and personal growth. Topics range from why friction drives growth and how to choose a partner, to why learning can be procrastination, the necessity of sacrifice, and how to live a life that actually counts. The conversation weaves through therapy insights, family planning, neediness in relationships, and the importance of taking action without waiting for permission.

Chris Williamson sits down with Nik Nocturnal to discuss the state of modern metal music. They explore how TikTok's short-form format is reshaping the way songs are written, the influence of virality on artistic choices, and the growing tension between making authentic art and algorithm-friendly content. The conversation also touches on AI-generated music, creator burnout, and why some believe we're in a golden age for the genre.

Chris Williamson hosts a debate with writer Freya India, evolutionary psychologist William Costello, and social psychologist Dr. Tania Reynolds on the growing antipathy between young men and women. They dissect why young women are reporting higher anger and resentment toward men, how political polarization is fracturing dating, and the rise of male looksmaxxing. The panel also explores benevolent sexism, male mental health messaging dilemmas, and the hidden privilege of physical attractiveness. The conversation challenges conventional victim-perpetrator narratives and questions whether modern culture is amplifying gender conflict rather than resolving it.

In this episode, Chris sits down with trial attorney Jefferson Fisher to explore the art of having life's hardest conversations. They discuss why we avoid conflict, practical techniques for staying calm under pressure, how to handle passive aggression, set boundaries, and deliver bad news. Fisher draws on years of courtroom experience to offer a framework for communicating with both logic and empathy, and why being right often feels better than it should. The conversation is packed with actionable advice for anyone who wants to strengthen their relationships through better communication.

Mercedes Coffman examines the modern dating landscape and argues that a culture of avoidance makes it harder for people ready for real connection. She discusses why emotional availability can feel like a liability, the role of self-sabotage and trauma, and practical ways to build emotional capacity and discernment. The conversation covers the distorting influence of rom-coms, the appeal of romantic chaos, and steps toward self-acceptance as a prerequisite for healthy relationships.

Chris Williamson hosts an experimental multi-guest format with comedian Gary Faust, entrepreneur Shaan Puri, and writer George Mack. The conversation jumps across a wide range of topics including kratom's addictive potential, the Norwegian prison system's radical rehabilitation model, whether social media metrics are warping content quality, the decline of trust in academic studies, and what DNA testing services actually reveal about users.

Freya India, a writer and journalist focused on female mental health and modern culture, explores the paradox of modern women: by objective measures, life has improved dramatically—more freedom, opportunity, and independence than ever before—yet many women report declining happiness. The conversation probes the cultural narratives, social media effects, and ideological shifts driving this crisis, and examines what women actually need versus what they think they want.

Andy Stumpf, a former Navy SEAL, explores how AI and technological acceleration are reshaping modern warfare and the psychological, ethical, and strategic challenges that emerge. The conversation spans combat psychology, the true cost of special operations training, the mythology versus reality of military operations, and what separates those who survive extreme situations from those who don't. Stumpf argues that American society has lost authentic understanding of its military, replaced by glorification and disconnect.

Oz Pearlman is a mentalist, magician, and endurance athlete who has spent 30 years making audiences believe he can read minds. This episode unpacks the psychology behind mentalism — how body language, storytelling, and subtle psychological principles create the illusion of mind-reading. Oz explains the core mechanics of his craft, how to build instant trust with strangers, techniques for detecting deception, and the mental toughness required to perform for the world's most powerful people.

Richard Reeves is a writer, researcher and the Founder of the American Institute for Boys & Men. What is the current state of men and boys? As social movements have focused on supporting historically marginalised groups, Richard has led the march on whether men’s challenges have been overlooked.

Adam Aleksic is a linguist, content creator, and author, best known online as the Etymology Nerd. What’s happening to language right now?

Alex Petkas is a historian, writer, and podcaster. What can one of history's greatest empires, and its most notorious leaders, teach us about the modern world? We all know the story of Julius Caesar and his famous assassination... but what really happened?

David Friedberg is an entrepreneur, investor, and podcaster. What will the future actually look like? With AI dominating the conversation, cutting through the noise matters more than ever. So what’s really coming, and what will it cost us?

Michael Smoak is a mindset coach, entrepreneur, and podcaster. What does it actually cost to live a great life? From the outside, top performers seem to have everything we want, but the story isn’t that simple. Behind every extraordinary life is a series of trade-offs, sacrifices, and unseen costs.

Eric Jorgenson is an investor, entrepreneur, and author. How does Elon Musk actually think? You can analyse him from first principles, but the closest thing to a blueprint is Eric Jorgenson’s The Book of Elon. So what’s really going on in his mind, and what makes him so extraordinary?

Erica Komisar is a psychoanalyst, parenting expert, and author. Why do we assume kids will be okay after divorce? As separation becomes more common, the long-term impact on a child’s development is often overlooked. So what actually happens, and can divorce ever be done without damage?

Robert Pantano is a writer, creator, and the founder of the Pursuit of Wonder YouTube channel. At what point does self-awareness become self-sabotage? The more you analyze yourself, the easier it is to get stuck overthinking. So how do you improve your life without ruining it?

Tristan Harris is a tech ethicist, entrepreneur, and a speaker. Are we sleepwalking into disaster? AI is unlocking massive progress, but the dangers hiding beneath the surface are exactly what experts fear most. So what’s coming… and could it spiral beyond our control?

Welcome to the new Studio! To celebrate, I put together a new episode style.

Chris Bailey is a productivity expert, speaker, and author. How do you make goals actually stick? We all want better for ourselves, but most goals fade. So how do you set goals that excite you—and actually follow through?

Will Guidara is a restaurateur, hospitality expert, and author. What does it take to become the world’s best restaurant? In an era of extravagant dining and over-the-top experiences, the answer might be simpler than you think. So what actually separates the best from the rest?

Roy Baumeister is a psychologist, professor, and researcher. Are men inherently more expendable from an evolutionary standpoint—and if so, has that dynamic helped drive innovation?

Nir Eyal is an author, behavioural design expert, and investor. What does it mean to truly hold a belief you endorse? Maybe some of what we believe isn’t true. But more interesting is how beliefs are formed, and how they can be reshaped.

Gurwinder Bhogal is a programmer and a writer. Gurwinder is one of my favourite X follows. He’s written yet another megathread exploring human nature, cognitive biases, mental models, status games, crowd behaviour and social media. It’s fantastic, and today we go through some of my favourites.

Dr Debra Soh is a neuroscientist, sex researcher, political commentator, and author. Why are we more connected than ever—but having less sex? Technology promised endless connection, but many people feel more isolated than ever.

Bill Gurley is a venture capitalist, general partner at Benchmark, and a former Wall Street analyst. How do you find work you actually enjoy? So many people warn about the jobs they hate and the dreams they never chased. But turning passion into a career is harder than it sounds.

Louis Theroux is a journalist, documentary filmmaker, broadcaster, and author. What is it really like inside the Manosphere? Online spaces for men have exploded in influence, shaping how millions of young men think about success, relationships, and masculinity.

Dr. Max Butterfield is an experimental psychologist and professor who studies relationships and decision-making. Why does love make us do crazy things? Rom-coms make relationships look easy, but real love is far more complicated.

Dr Peter Salerno is a social psychologist, professor, and researcher. Why are narcissists so manipulative? At some point in your life, you’ve probably encountered a narcissist. They can take control of a situation so subtly that before you realize it, you’re caught under their influence.

Cal Newport is a computer science professor at Georgetown University, a productivity expert and an author. Has AI “workslop” damaged our ability to focus? When AI entered the workplace, many thought it would replace knowledge workers.

Dr. Kathryn Paige Harden is a psychologist and behavioural geneticist, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and an author. Are people born evil, or does evil emerge from circumstance?

Scott Solomon is an evolutionary biologist, professor, and author. Since the earliest days of science fiction, we’ve wondered what it would mean to live on Mars. Today, that question is no longer hypothetical.

Dr Dani Sulikowski is an evolutionary psychologist, professor, and researcher. Female intrasexual competition is more ruthless than most people realize. Just when we think we understand how women compete with one another, the rules shift—and the limits move.

Charlie Houpert is an entrepreneur and YouTuber. Why does life tend to teach its hardest lessons just as we think we’ve arrived? We chase the goals, build the lifestyle, tick the boxes, only to discover that emptiness and insecurity still follow us.

Dave Evans is an entrepreneur, early Apple engineer, former Electronic Arts executive, Stanford lecturer, and author. How does someone genuinely find meaning in their life? We’re often told that when things feel empty, uncertain, or painful, the answer is to “find more meaning”.

Oliver Burkeman is a journalist, a writer for The Guardian and an author. How does the insecure overachiever evolve? You think success will quiet the doubt, then you hit 30, and it’s still there. More achievement, more stress.

Rick Glassman is a comedian, actor, and podcaster. Why do humans act so complicated? We’re simple creatures — farts are funny, everyone does awkward stuff, yet we all pretend we don’t. Maybe life gets better when you lean into the weird instead of hiding it.

James Sexton is a New York-based divorce attorney and author, known for his expertise in family law and insights on marriage and divorce. What does it actually take to avoid divorce? In a world where most marriages don’t last, it’s easy to assume you’ll be the exception, until reality hits.

I hit 4.1 million Subscribers on YouTube!! To celebrate, I asked for questions from YouTube, X, and Instagram, so here’s another 90ish minutes of me trying to answer as many as possible.

Matthew Hussey is the world’s #1 dating coach, a YouTuber, public speaker and an author. How do you know if you’re with the right person — or if you're just telling yourself you are? If you’re questioning the relationship more than enjoying it, Matthew Hussey might have the clarity you need.

Dr Paul Eastwick is a psychologist, professor, and a researcher. Much of what we think we know about relationships comes from an evolutionary psychology lens, but what if that framework is flawed?

Louis Theroux discusses his documentary exploring the manosphere -- the online ecosystem of pickup artists, red pill content, and masculinity influencers. Theroux examines why young men are drawn to these communities and what legitimate needs these spaces are (poorly) addressing.

Richard Reeves discusses the growing crisis facing men and boys -- declining college enrollment, rising suicide rates, falling workforce participation, and the lack of institutional support. He argues that acknowledging male struggles does not diminish female progress and that we need to hold two truths simultaneously.

Robert Greene discusses The Laws of Human Nature, covering envy, narcissism, irrationality, and the shadow self. Greene argues that understanding dark psychology is not manipulative but protective -- recognizing these patterns in yourself and others prevents you from being controlled by them.

Andrew Huberman joins Chris Williamson for episode 700, covering dopamine management, focus protocols, cold exposure science, and practical neuroscience tools for optimizing attention, energy, and mood in daily life.