Podroll Show
Mere Mortals Conversations
What is Effective Philosophy? Juan and I simplify hard to grasp concepts into pragmatic takeaways that can be applied to every day life (fitness, goal setting, work, parenting, travel, hobbies, finances, etc.,).
Hosts & Contributors
Recent Episodes
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Lifestreaming Ruins Your Life | Is 'Real Life' Interesting To Others?
What do Michael Gerry, Big Brother and Clavicular all have in common?In Episode #518 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: broadcasting everyday life (potentially 24/7), how feasible it is to capture more of life with minimal setup, early backpack rigs to Michael Gerry’s 2019 year-long life stream, the pull toward performative behaviour, the appeal of using life streaming as a mirror for self-improvement, why human interest in real humans won’t vanish in an AI-simulated world, predictions on “life media”/consent cha…
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Monthly Goals | April 2026
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Thinking In Bets For Better Decision Making | How Prediction Markets Might Help Your Brain
The mindset of a poker pro can now be applied outside of a narrow game.In Episode #517 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: Annie Duke’s 'Thinking In Bets' book and how the poker mindset can reshape everyday decision-making, why focusing on process over outcomes matters, how using AI as a sounding board revealed hidden risk-taking in my own finances, testing assumptions in small experiments before going all-in, how arbitrage opportunities appear with prediction markets and why clarity on desired outcomes should dr…
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Train Increasingly Harder, Not Smarter | Is The Best Advice To Simply Do More?
As much as it sucks, more volume is almost always the answer.In Episode #516 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: volume versus form (sparked by a YouTuber/runner known as Ran to Japan), what extreme running volume really looks like when you’re fast enough to compress a marathon into a couple of hours per day, how training load evolves across years, why sheer reps often trump optimisation, steadily ramping the volume to match your goals and importance, why novice gains come from doing more before optimising, how so…
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Monthly Goals | March 2026
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Let's Get Down To MM Business | The Innovators Dilemma
Why is iterating hardware so difficult and what would we do if it came time to start a business.In Episode #515 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: Clayton Christensen's 'The Innovator’s Dilemma' book, why incumbents like IBM and Blockbuster struggled with disruptive shifts, how spin-outs can help large firms explore new markets, whether today’s tech giants (NVIDIA, Amazon, Alphabet) are genuinely pivoting faster than past eras, the trap of single‑thesis bets (e.g., x402 via Coinbase/Circle), the difference betwee…
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The Sovereign Individual | Will Network States Displace The Nation?
Will the lowering returns on violence along with digital wealth storage lead to an exodus?In Episode #514 of ' Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: The Sovereign Individual book (1997) highly recommended by Bitcoiners, early chapters bogged in Y2K angst versus strikingly prescient calls on digital money, decentralised media and the emerging cyber economy, how portable digital wealth might change the return on violence, what sovereignty means when nation-states still control critical infrastructure, historical arcs the …
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Abundance Mindset In An Abundant World | Is An Infinite Utopia Possible?
What makes a bun dance?In Episode #513 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: the definition of abundance versus how futurists/technologists and everyday folks actually use it, the conflation of “lots of something” with “zero friction access,” whether abundance must be global or can be meaningfully local, test the concept across water, food, intelligence and money, why more does not equal free (or even better), scarcity’s persistent psychological pull, whether a world of replicators (à la Star Trek) would make us hea…
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Becoming An Owner Of The Network | Chris Dixon's 'Read Write Own'
Are there any downsides to taking part in upsides?In Episode #512 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: how the internet moved from corporate networks to open protocol networks to blockchain networks, Dixon’s framing (read, write, own), why he thinks open protocols like RSS struggled against corporate platforms, where blockchains might change take rates, the real-world viability of tokenomics, if ownership will matter for in a future of AI, micro‑payments and abundant digital goods, games vs music business models an…
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Monthly Goals | February 2026
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Hell Yessssss Vs No | Deciding On Where To Spend Your Time
You can't say yes to everything .... so where do you draw the line?In Episode #511 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: the “hell yes versus no” decision-making lens and where it truly fits, opportunity cost/time constraints/certainty versus uncertainty, how emotion or rationality shapes decisions, stacking reasons to make a strong yes, a practical quadrant for choosing activities based on enjoyment and likelihood of meeting people. Stan Link: https://stan.store/meremortalsTimeline: (00:00:00) Intro(00:03:39) Conte…
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AI Futurism Meets Medieval History | The Million Dollar X402 Wall
We're destressing and just going over all the non-goal related things swirling around in the current moment.In Episode #510 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: the old million dollar homepage and the new x402 version, experimenting with a cheeky one‑pixel squatting strategy to test rent‑seeking dynamics, why some value‑for‑value/Lightning initiatives plateau despite strong early communities, advertising economics from retro web banners to F1 liveries, if energy could become the unit of exchange in agent‑to‑agent w…
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Don't Let The Gremlins Steal Your Focus | What We're Leaving Behind In 2026
It's a new year ... no new goals ... instead we're focusing upon what NOT to focus upon.In Episode #509 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: what we’re not bringing into 2026, expectation inflation (how setting grand scenarios can pre-bake resentment), how to strike a workable balance between Eastern contentment and Western drive, choosing realistic marathon aims without sacrificing other priorities, ditching negative self‑talk, making room for smarter training decisions that prevent injury and burnout and avoidin…
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AI Slop Killed The Podcast Star | The Shifting Landscape Of Media
I'm shifting away from listening to podcasts and I'm a blog reader now.In Episode #508 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: why our media diets are shifting, how we each consume information across video, audio, books, Substack, X long‑form (even X Spaces), why written digital content is winning more of our attention lately, the flood of AI‑generated media (from YouTube videos to TTS podcasts spun from Reddit threads), the challenge of finding high‑signal sources, fiction vs non‑fiction swings, curation styles (tabs…
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Monthly Goals | January 2026
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Intention Is All That Matters | Every Day Use Of AI Agents
We're expanding out from an AI blog into the real world. Also had some issues with the audio this episode so I'm working from the backup copy (that was super loud for some reason). In Episode #507 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: the shift from attention to intention in the AI era, what truly agentic AI might look like versus glorified chatbots and automated workflows, where the tech is actually useful right now, whether the real breakthroughs will come from bolt-ons to existing platforms or from new rails buil…
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How To Collect Art & Become A Successful Artist | Why Investing In Art Is A Terrible Idea
Magnus is back with a master class on how to buy art.In Episode #506 of 'Meanderings', Juan and I discuss: the big blank wall behind us, how to choose something meaningful for your home, Magnus Resch’s books 'How To Become A Successful Artist' and 'How to Collect Art', why branding and networking matter in the art world, why most buyers should treat art as a sunk cost and purchase only what they truly love, practical buying tips (galleries, fairs, auctions, pricing signals), comparing art collecting with car colle…
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The Rules For How To Get The Guy | A Question For The Men .... WTF DO YOU WANT?!
I'm a woman trapped in a man's body analysing dating advice for women given by a man. In #505 of 'Meanderings', Juan and I discuss: three dating and relationships books (The New Rules, Get the Guy by Matthew Hussey and Attached), how prescriptive “rules” aimed at women can backfire, why some advice feels outdated (Facebook walls and BBM), how scarcity games tend to attract the very players you might want to avoid, why attachment styles are useful as a lens but less so as a to‑do list, a focus on authenticity over …
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Secrets Of The Art World | Power, Provenance & Pretentiousness
There is a reason why the art 'space' is divisive and why money distorts many things.In Episode #504 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: the book by Magnus Resch titled '100 Secrets of the Art World', tight‑knit gatekeeping at the high end of the market, how control of information shape what gets seen and sold (often more than artistic merit), parallels to other status markets such as watches/supercars, why 'better' often defaults to 'more expensive', where marketing can overshadow craft yet many collectors still …
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Masters Of The Universe | Perhaps Mastery Is More Ideal
The master does nothing .... yet he leaves nothing undone.In Episode #503 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: why the mindset of mastery may matter more than the title of “master", Robert Greene’s book called Mastery, the role of obsession, whether teaching is required for mastery, “unearned” mastery and savant talent and a pragmatic take on how to design your own path toward improvement without sacrificing what matters most. Huge thanks to Petar for the support, very much appreciated! Stan Link: https://stan.stor…
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Monthly Goals | December 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Maybe You Should Talk To Someone | Therapy, Men & Life Challenges
It's time for the male version of therapy .... podcasting!!! In Episode #502 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: Lori Gottlieb’s book 'Maybe You Should Talk to Someone', the emotional burden therapists carry plus the mirror-like role they play in helping people surface what’s unsaid, my own brief stint with therapy as a late teen, why men seek therapy less, what they tend to talk about (anger, identity, intimacy, parenting), whether gym time/mates/modern tools like AI can substitute for a human therapist and how t…
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ENJOY YOUR FUCKING LIFE OR YOU'RE GONNA DIE | Adventures Are Fun & Exciting
Let's help Juan find some excitement in the daily grind!In Episode #501 of 'Meanderings', Juan and I discuss: the shifting meaning of “adventure” across seasons of life, adventure beyond skydiving (think ballet classes, new walking routes, digital art experiments and structured learning), how vicarious adventures through kids or friends can scratch the itch without derailing priorities, a note on podcasting 2.0’s KeySend/LNURL Lightning shift and practical ideas to add novelty without burning your foundations.Huge…
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Mere Mortals Podcast | November 2025 Updates
An easy update from the Mere Mortals podcast on what the future holds for us + the focus to come.Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/ Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcas…
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$6M+ in High-Ticket Sales — Orlando Santucci’s formulas, philosophies and life maxing
He’s sold over $6 million in high-ticket offers, worked with the top names in the industry, and built a community of closers who actually win, not just talk about it.In this conversation, Orlando Santucci breaks down the formulas, philosophies and frameworks that drive consistent results.https://closerscult.com/00:00 – Who knows you, who you know (why attention matters)02:19 – From Macca’s & uni to first sales role (Jason Capital ad)03:03 – “Oh... I’m in sales” moment08:50 – Energy vs Skill: 60/40 of closing10:06 …
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Half A Mil Of MM Value | Reflecting On 500 Episodes
We have reached half a (MIL)estone so let's give it a half assed effort!In Episode #500 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: six years of podcasting, the origin story of why we originally started, stats and highlights across YouTube and audio, mishaps (spiders, dead mics, random street cameos), how our focus on value has changed over the years, community shout-outs (thanks for the surprise cake, Mum!), the lessons learned from interviews and long-form chats and why we’ve kept ads out of the show, what “doubling dow…
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Battle Of The Verts (Intro Vs Extro) | Who Shapes The World?
Is the real world actually shaped for social interaction!?In Episode #499 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: 2 x books of Susan Cain’s 'Quiet' alongside Paul McKenna’s 'Instant Influence & Charisma', the quiet revolution of introverts rising up, what the book gets right (high reactivity, Big Five personality traits, pseudo‑extroversion), whether energy is the true differentiator, why environments like open‑plan offices and classrooms may suit the loud but don’t always produce the best work or learning, Juan's immense…
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Monthly Goals | November 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Living With Ragrets | Feedback To Our Younger Selves
If you wish you could have let yourself been happier, then why didn't you?In Episode #498 of 'Musings', Juan & discuss: advice we’d give to our 20-something selves after a decade of lessons, cringeworthy moments that come closest to genuine regret, why regret often intensifies closer to life’s end, the feedback loop of could-have-beens, when remorse is useful versus when it’s self-punishment, being more selfish about building skills and character, obsessively detailed on what you truly care about, applying first-p…
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Mel Storey, From Lawyer to “Career Big Sis”
After 15 years in law, Mel Storey walked away to build Career Big Sis, a movement helping ambitious professionals back themselves, set boundaries, and take the first step even when they can’t see the whole staircase.We go deep on burnout, the moment everything broke after Covid, rebuilding with a mental health plan, and the practical maths she used to leave corporate safely. This one’s honest, useful, and fiercely encouraging.00:00 – Welcome & why this conversation matters01:45 – 15 years in law → leaving corporat…
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Attracting Women Through Honesty | Mark Manson's 'Models'
The three fundamentals of lifestyle, action & communication.In Episode #497 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: the core idea of “true confidence” versus the old-school “fake it till you make it confidence” pickup playbook, startling a girl at the gym, how polarisation beats bland small talk, whether beginners sometimes need the “false confidence” phase to accrue the experiences that later support authenticity, why intent and adaptability matter more than scripts, the value of becoming excellent at something you love …
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Sheridan Tolman, finding your SUB-60: Building Brisbane’s most welcoming gym
Guest:Sheridan — Owner/Head Coach, SUB 60 Coorparoo.Best contact: Instagram DMs (search “Sub 60 Coorparoo”)Sheridan (owner of SUB 60 Coorparoo) breaks down the reality of launching a hybrid gym: building a true community, programming for all levels, and grinding through 8 classes a day while raising a family. We cover HYROX ambitions, why she chose versatile equipment (yes, cables in a “functional” gym), what actually drives growth (referrals), and how to “find your own sub-60” — whatever that means for you.(00:00…
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Omniscient, Omnipresent… Omniprompts | Is AI Becoming God?
What if God was one of us, just a machine like one of us.In Episode #496 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: if AI is becoming our new god, why some people are treating AI less like a tool and more like an authority, grift vs belief vs larping on social media, what would convince us that it is indeed God, the human propensity for subservience and control (Big Brother vibes), whether competing AI “faiths” might emerge (mirroring historical religious splits) and simulation theory/multimodal AI/brain–computer interfaces …
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Thoughts Into Actions | The Power Of Verbalising Words
That's right, we're going to begin manifesting oioioahahaoiaoiaheyayy!In Episode #495 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: the power of language in goal-setting, how small word choices can meaningfully shift direction over time, changing nouns to verbs (e.g., “find” to “bond,” “create” to “forge,” “build” to “care”), softening health goals as we get older and injured more frequently, verbalising intentions & how speaking thoughts aloud can catalyse action, reviewing long-term goals sparingly and focussing on habits tha…
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Monthly Goals | October 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Goals & Motivations Change | Kyrin's Making Moves In 2026
We're analysing what I got up to in 2025 and changing my focus to the future.In Episode #494 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: tax-optimising mistakes/language detours, fantastic one‑arm handstand progress, an only ok year in review, a new overarching theme of revitalising hunger/focus, quarterly fitness blocks (legs, pull, running, endurance) with side quests like ballet and the Brisbane Marathon 2026, moving house to get out of a malaise, pruning relationships, moderating sugar, reworking financial information die…
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Generators vs Trophies: Why Chasing Goals Will Always Fail You
In this episode of Mere Mortals, I break down the crucial difference between trophies (wealth, fame, happiness) and generators (the daily actions and systems that actually create them). Chasing the scoreboard leads to shortcuts, burnout, and emptiness. But when you build the engine—your habits, integrity, and craft—the trophies arrive as inevitable by-products. I share personal stories, practical frameworks, and timeless wisdom to help you shift from chasing shadows to building substance.(00:00) – Why You Shouldn’…
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Andrew Taylor: Go until it breaks, scaling Live Co
What does it really take to build a cult brand? Andrew Taylor, founder of Live Co, returns to share the uncomfortable truth: belief beats noise, community beats clout, and data beats feelings. We dig into 300% growth in a year, the Ultra Fit hat that solved a real problem, why followers/likes don’t matter, and his “push it till it breaks” method for scaling ad spend. We also cover picking the community’s car (hello HSV), limited-edition strategy, and the next 5–10 years.00:00 – Intro & setup01:12 – Belief swings &…
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World Building Analysed | Creating A Popular New Universe
Is Juan about to create the newest version of LOTR or Gorillaz?In Episode #493 of 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: the origins of various types of lore, how these worlds are constructed with varying degrees of complexity and interactivity, hard versus soft world building, a creator's control over the narrative, how modern technology and platforms like Fandom wikis allow easier access, the challenges of maintaining a coherent narrative in a world where anyone can contribute to the story and the strategy we would take…
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Avoiding Preventable Deaths | Thoughts On Silent Killers
What's the current day equivalent of lead, radiation, asbestos or cigarettes?In Episode #492 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: hidden dangers in our environment that can significantly shorten our lifespan, whether you can do anything to avoid things like microplastics, how 'Bad Science' shows media & exaggerated information is unhelpful for informed decision-making, the potential future 'silent killers' that could emerge with new technology, how our modern conveniences might come with hidden costs & the ultimate imp…
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Monthly Goals | September 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Envisioning The 2100 Future | Human-AI Symbiosis, Digital Gods & Consciousness Currency
Juan didn't disappoint with his wacky, hair-brained ideas .... that he won't be able to protect!In Episode #491 of 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: a day in the life of the year 2100, the potential for cities to become the new countries, multigenerational housing as life expectancy increases, human-AI symbiosis plus normalised AI babies, humans becoming gods through digital universe creation, a world where everything is nearly free & creativity/consciousness/reserve currency/physical space/robotics and why it will p…
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Investing In Creators | A Technological Twist On The V4V Model
Time for Giga big brain ideas on the future of content creation.In Episode #490 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: how creators can monetise their work without diverging into unrelated business ventures, the distinction between spending and investing in creators, why images, audio, and video will be monetised via new technologies in the coming years, the potential impact of AI on the quality and accessibility of content, Juan's fancy formula for creator investing, why the attention economy will end up in measuring co…
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Juan's 2025 Annual Goals | Plus A Quick Review Of 2024
How did Juan go last year and what's he got his focus on?In Episode #489 of 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: his past year's achievements, the evolution from having numerous goals to focusing on fewer, why he wants to run a marathon (but not necessarily with people), expanding his mind with grand business ideas, filling up his soul by establishing family values/traditions and why we are both a bit less selfish when we compare ourselves to our younger versions.Huge thanks to Cole McCormick for the support, we appreci…
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The Moloch Problem | Destructive Forces From Competition
Call it what you want (Malthusian trap, prisoner dilemma, race to the bottom, coordination failure, tragedy of the commons), the problems are real!In Episode #488 of 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: the concept of the Moloch problem (a philosophical idea that explores the unintended consequences of competitive behaviour), over-scheduling children's activities to the race for social media status, the silly idea of a dollar auction, how rational decisions can lead to suboptimal outcomes, uneffective philosophy & whether…
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Monthly Goals | August 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Too Big To Grasp: How a Calm Mind Defies Overwhelm
In this episode, I explore the profound concept of hyperobjects, entities so vast they surpass our understanding and how recognising their presence can lead to mental clarity. I dive deep into the idea that life’s overwhelming nature isn’t always due to complexity, but our relationship to that complexity. By reframing calmness as a conscious acceptance of chaos, this discussion becomes a guide for cultivating tranquillity in a turbulent world.(00:00) - What If Life Is Too Big To Grasp?(01:30) - Introducing Hyperob…
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Australia's Fitness Culture | But Are We Actually Healthy?
Suns out, guns out!In Episode #487 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: the stark differences in gym availability and fitness facilities of Australia vs the rest of the world, dilapidated gyms in Montenegro & well-equipped calisthenic parks in South America, the prevalence of gyms even in regional areas, whether Australia's high gym membership rates translate to a healthier population, statistics of obesity and Olympic medals per capita plus the potential economic benefits of a healthier population.Timel…
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Fashionable Feminine Florence Vs A Monetary Masculine Mine Site | Food Trekking & Weight Changes
Get ready for some observations that only the Mere Mortals could make.In Episode #486 of 'Meanderings', Juan and I discuss: how the travel setting can allow for memorable moments (such as a boat trip in Mykonos and meaningful one-on-one conversations with friends), a Mere Mortal exclusive comparison between Florence and a mining site, the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while travelling, complaints about average pasta & lack of food choices (in general) and how our weight changes were rather unexpect…
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European Adventures & Stories From The Road | Observations From Mere Mortals Abroad
We're back from Europe and giving you the downlow on where to travel to.In Episode #485 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: a tit for tat recounting of our European travels, a garage door mishap and newfound Zen, the unique experiences of staying in hostels, the stereotypes of Germans/French people that are way too true, the beauty of Switzerland and the livability of Zurich, the luxurious yet expensive allure of the South of France and a call for more places we should visit.Huge shoutout to Lyceum & Cole McCormic…
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Monthly Goals | July 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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The Discipline Reset: Building Protocols After a Holiday Break”
fter a massive European break, wedding, honeymoon, the works, I knew I couldn’t just ease back into life and hope for momentum to return on its own. In this episode, I walk you through the exact protocols I’m using to rebuild discipline: a month-long training system, my morning routine, and why I believe structure isn’t restrictive, it’s liberating. This is about reclaiming control and setting the tone for the next few months of my life. No fluff, no hype, just systems that work. Aka Effective Philosophy.(00:00) –…
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Stand Up Comedy With Joey | The Greece Getaway Plus Travel Adventures
We're in Greece (and thank god not LA)!In Episode #484 of Mere Mortals 'Meanderings', Juan & I (plus Joey, a long-time friend) discuss: Joey's challenges of stand-up comedy, the courage it takes to perform in front of a live audience, the impact of AI on creative industries, cultural experiences of traveling through Europe, our least favourite travel destinations, with Los Angeles/Alice Springs topping the list for their lack of charm and overwhelming tourist traps and a light-hearted attempt at stand-up comedy, a…
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The Ring That Made Me a Man: Unexpected Lessons From My Wedding
In this deeply personal and reflective episode, one half of the Mere Mortals opens up about his recent wedding. From the quiet maturity of wearing a ring to the raw emotional challenge of delivering vows, this episode explores how major life events can reshape our identity in surprising ways. It's a meditation on commitment, vulnerability, and the power of presence.(00:00) - The Big Reveal: I Got Married!(00:28) - Does Marriage Change Anything?(01:50) - Our Reverse Life Timeline(03:08) - The Surprising Impact of t…
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Monthly Goals | June 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Leadership Lessons 101 | Vision, Managing & Doing!
Can anyone/everyone be a leader?In Episode #483 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: the differences between managing/leading/doing, why I'm not a natural leader (& Juan is a doer more than a leader), the ability to inspire others, why great leaders are accountable yet not necessarily good, the rarity of true leadership, anecdotes from our personal lives and observations on well-known leaders like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Churchill and Hitler.Huge thanks to Petar The Slav, Lyceum & The Late Bloomer Actor for…
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Meandering Musings On Small Talk | The Transactional Nature Of Conversations
I don't understand Californians!In Episode #482 of 'Musings' Juan & I discuss: the transactional undertone in interactions in Los Angeles (possibly influenced by Hollywood culture), the art of small talk and how it can be improved, Juan's natural inclination towards confrontation and how he navigates small talk in professional settings, appreciating small talk for its own sake and a look ahead to our upcoming travels.Many thanks to The Late Bloomer Actor for the support this week!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:03:02…
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Monthly Goals | May 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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We've Been Busy But We're Back | Finding Equanimity Vs Becoming Emotionless
Juan has moved house and I'm getting ready to go travelling.In Episode #481 of 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: the challenges and transitions of moving homes, the importance of maintaining a balanced state of mind amidst life's chaos, the idea of ataraxia (a state of serene calmness and freedom from emotional disturbance) and the balance between feeling emotions and striving for equanimity.We really appreciate any support you wish to provide to the Mere Mortals :)Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:28) Life Updates & M…
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Monthly Goals | April 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Lost Friends & Old Times | Travel Plans & Reaching Out To Establish Former Connections
Here's the kick in the butt you need to reach out to your old friends.In Episode #480 of 'Musings' Juan & I discuss: the complexities of reaching out to people from the past, sharing personal anecdotes about past friendships, maintaining past relationships versus focusing on present/future priorities, our upcoming trips to Europe and why they will be so different, why it's a bad idea to try to recreate periods from your past and thinking about what you can get out of experiences like this.Huge thanks to Lyceum for…
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Fear & Flee The Brisbane Cyclone | The Power Of Media
We survived the media onslaught fine but the real world effects linger.In Episode #479 of Musings, Juan and I discuss: the fear & craziness of the recent Cyclone Alfred here in Brisbane, whether it lived up to it's fearsome reputation (it didn't), the panic buying & actual impact on his property, why hyper local media might be the future, why legacy media has to induce excitement/worry but won't actually show the things we're scared of and how we intend to consume information going forward.Huge shoutout to Queen M…
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Working Hard Or Hardly Working | Does A Job Equal Meaning?
Is work being equated to jobs undergoing a separation?In Episode #478 of 'Musings' Juan and I discuss: the fundamental definition from a physics perspective, why my handstand training is more about persistence, how external validation can differ from internal satisfaction, future implications of an age of abundance where hard work may become less necessary due to technological advancements, why I value technique and Juan will teach his child how to grind.Huge thanks to Petar for the support, it means the world to …
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Monthly Goals | March 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Collecting Cards With VeeFriends | The Business Side Of Pokémon
Some special guests (Brodie & Mansheel) are here to do some show and tell!In Episode #477 of Meanderings, we discuss the intricacies of collecting Pokémon cards, the financials of the grading process, factors that influence the value of these collectibles, maintaining excellent card condition (Juan needs to take notes), nostalgia of collecting since children, the thrill of opening VeeFriends packs and the strategies for buying and selling cards.Huge thanks to Cole for supporting this week (and Petar for the maple …
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The Job Market For 2026 | Dawn Of The Autonomous Robots
Will Juan's insanely ambitious predictions come true (likely) and why is he so sure (backed by evidence)?In Episode #476 of Musings, Juan and I discuss: the rapid advancements in AI (drawing from his past experiences in AI sales and chatbot implementations), the slow progress of autonomous Haul Trucks I saw in the mining industry, .Juan's prediction that unemployment rates will more than double by the end of 2026, robotic process automation (RPA) and its potential to replace repetitive tasks traditionally done by …
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Let's Gamble In A Cult | Financial Delusions & When To Admit You're Wrong
Why is investing in Game Stop going to cause the collapse of the financial system?In episode #475 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: Tom Bilyeu's perspective that all financial actions are a form of gambling, James Jani's videos on GameStop and Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY), how the irrational belief of "mother of all short squeezes" (MOASS) will lead to the financial system's collapse, our past financial delusions in stocks/properties/NFT's, the aftermath of bubbles bursting and Juan's current delusion of …
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They're Coming For Your Money!! | Scams, Scammers & Schemes
They're always around so how do you pick them out?In episode #474 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: the definition of trickery for accruing value, personal anecdotes of being scammed, learnings from Edward Chancellor's book 'Devil Take The Hindmost', recognising red flags such as offers that seem too good to be true, whether certain societal structures like the education system or the 9-to-5 work model could be seen as scams and whether scams that lead to positive outcomes are actually scams.Huge than…
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Monthly Goals | February 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Financial Bubbles & The Crypto/AI Industry | Historical Signals That Will Repeat
This is a solo episode heavily influenced by the book 'Devil Take The Hindmost'.In Episode #473 of 'Musings' it is just myself Kyrin and I'm discussing: the beginnings, growth and eventual popping of financial bubbles across history (with examples like the Tulip Mania and the South Sea Bubble), why these criteria are all subjective and not numbers based, the reasons I believe there is a crypto/AI bubble that is midway through it's cycle and some predictions for what I think could happen in the next 6-18 months.A h…
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Our New Podcast Ventures | Expanding The MM Brand
We're no longer the Mere Mortals Podcast ...... we're now Mere Mortals Podcasts!In Episode #472 of 'Meanderings, Juan and I discuss: the two new podcasts around AI and fitness that we are doing independently, why we will be experimenting with other monetisation models for the new shows (and tweaking existing), why people have black marks on their brand when they get sloppy with their collaborators/advertisers, community building and what more we can do for engagement and some personal updates, including upcoming t…
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The Evolution Of Our Stretching | From Optimal Performance To Injury Avoidance
We're revisiting an old topic .... with some updates.In Episode #471 of 'Musings' we discuss: a previous episode from mid 2020 (#49) noting the changes in our perspectives, more on static/dynamic stretching, the specialised techniques of PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) & ballistic stretching, why anyone can achieve a reasonable level of flexibility, how we injured ourselves by not following our own advice and how Juan likes to clean and jerk babies.Very sad puppy this week, we miss your support :'(…
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2025 Calories in one go: A Challenge Worth Trying?
This chat’s all about tackling a unique 2025-calorie challenge. I dive into why I gave it a go, how it panned out (spoiler: not as planned), and the lessons I walked away with. It’s a mix of fitness, mindset, and how to frame challenges in life.(00:00) - Kicking Off the Challenge(00:40) - What is the 2025-Calorie Challenge?(01:22) - Why I Decided to Try It(02:38) - Planning the Challenge(05:19) - Did I Actually Do It?(08:30) - Lessons Learned from Failing(12:02) - The Power of Focusing on Effort(15:07) - Applying…
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You Can Determine Your Outlook! | A Revision Of 2024 & Predictions For 2025
A sucky year doesn't have to be the worst of your life.In Episode #470 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: our reflections on 2024, my sad year that despite the challenges ended with clarity and optimism towards the end, Juan's balancing of family life and spending as much time with his daughter as possible, predictions for 2025 with emphasis on the advancements of AI, a positive economic wave coming and why hardware might be more interesting than software.Huge support from Petar the Slav & Cole McCormi…
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Monthly Goals | January 2025
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from this series, showcasing our own…
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Mere Mortals Year in Review: 5 Life Lessons from 2024 for Growth in 2025
This episode reflects on my key takeaways from 2024, focusing on discipline, family priorities, balancing multiple roles, mindfulness, and adaptability.Timeline:(00:00) - Introduction to the Year in Review(00:49) - Reflecting on Seasons of Life(02:22) - Lesson 1: Discipline in Daily Routines(04:26) - Lesson 2: Prioritizing Family(07:16) - Balancing Multiple Roles and Eliminating Distractions(09:35) - Lesson 3: Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence(11:26) - Lesson 4: Adaptability in the Face of Challenges(14:22) …
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Open Source Decentralised AI | Can The Compute Compete?
We're spending a lot more time playing around with models.In Episode #469 of Musings, Juan and I discuss: why we think Agentic AI will be extremely useful, whether open source models can compete with closed source, why I believe they are necessary for privacy/freedom of expression/anti-advertising reasons, the bitter lesson with regards to compute, why governments will regulate and try to control the industry and similarities to cases with big tech.No boostagrams again, very sad puppy :'(Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(…
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Magic Mind Review: Sharper Mind or Just Hype?
In this episode, I review Magic Mind, a nootropic drink designed to enhance mental performance, focus, and reduce stress. Sharing a 15-day personal trial, we explore the product's ingredients, effects, and value while reflecting on its potential to create a "sharper mind" baseline. (00:00) - Welcome to the Podcast(00:25) - Introducing Magic Mind(00:49) - Unbiased Approach to Product Reviews(01:37) - Magic Mind: Packaging and First Impressions(02:03) - Key Ingredients and Benefits(02:48) - Clinically Backed Claims…
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Video Game Economies | The Digital Marketplace Of The Past & Future
Why is a blue party hat worth so much money!?In Episode #468 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: how virtual items can gain real-world value, why in-game economies mirror real-world behaviour of scarcity/market manipulation/speculative trading, the reason crypto gaming has largely fallen flat (but might have a future in games like Off The Grid), whether people will watch AI agents gaming in the future and why the crypto casino is already a game in itself.Huge thanks to Violet Mouse for the support this …
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Deciphering Opinion From Fact | Why New Books Fail The Kyrin Test
Why is it basically impossible to find any modern books with some sort of 'politics' thrown in?In Episode #467 of 'Musings' Juan and I discuss: how recent events are often presented with a bias rather than factual accuracy, the reliability of recent publications re-reading old books and get a bit sidetracked in the realm of education (specifically literature in schooling).No support this week, very sad puppy :'(Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:28) Book Preferences And Trends(00:04:46) Opinions in Recent History Boo…
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Dogs & Puppers | Juan's Best Friend But Kyrin's 2nd Worst Enemy
What's your favourite dog and why is it Golden Retrievers!In Episode #466 of Meanderings Juan and I discuss: childhood memories and how these interactions have shaped our views on dogs, how owning a dog can teach us about mortality and the finite nature of life, the social dynamics of ownership, comparison to other animals & random thoughts on suffering & mental health.Huge thanks to Petar for the support!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:48) The Importance of Dogs(00:02:03) Childhood Dog Story(00:05:05) Overcoming …
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The Psychology Of Investing | Becoming A Mercenary With Your Money
I'm all in baby!In Episode #465 of Mere Mortals Musings we delve into the psychology of investing, exploring the emotional and mindset aspects that influence investment decisions. A lot of focus on emotional control and mindset training, drawing parallels between fitness and investing. The importance of preparation and maintaining a neutral mindset is highlighted, as well as the dangers of getting swept up in market trends. We then shift to the broader question of why we invest, examining the motivations behind fi…
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Monthly Goals | December 2024
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.Let's start off strong as we notice Kyrin's shirt is inside out, lol. Reflecting on our November goals, we did ok but noticed the busy period coming in strong. Juan discusses his fitness journey, focusing on strengthening his obliques and the benefits he's noticed in his handstand practice. He also shares his commitment to better sleep habits and reducing caffeine intake. I'm still looking for a girl …
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Is This The End Of V4V?! | Bitcoin, Boosts & The Future Of Podcasting 2.0
BTC is going up and Alby is going down (ish), whatever shall we do!In Episode #464 of Mere Mortals 'Meanderings' we dive into: definitions of V4V & P2.0, the psychology of investing and how listener support can change with rising Bitcoin prices, the role of video in podcasting and whether it's necessary (it's not!), recent changes with Alby (a Lightning wallet provider) and how we might optimise for listener contribution.Huge thanks to Cole McCormick & Chad F for supporting the show!Timeline:(00:00:00) Introductio…
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Focus Vs Attention | Maintaining Clarity Amongst The Distractions
If we have shorter attention spans, how can you sit through this very podcast?In Episode #463 of 'Musings', we dive deep into the concept of focus, exploring its nuances and how it differs from attention and concentration. There are some theoretical aspects of focus, including its relationship with consciousness and how it can be both a conscious and unconscious effort. We also touch on the practical side, examining how focus can be applied in daily life and whether it is a finite resource.No boostagrams this week…
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Redefining Mental Health | Beyond The Buzzwords
Let's have a dive into the madness of the Mere Mortals minds!In Episode #462 of Musings, we delve into the topic of mental health, exploring its definitions, societal narratives, and personal experiences. Juan starts off with the significance of Movember, a global movement aimed at raising awareness for men's health issues, including mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer. Societal expectations and personal narratives can impact one's mental health which requires us moving beyond vague definitions to more s…
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The Future Of Media | Predictions For The Next Decade
In Episode #461 of Mere Mortals Musings, we delve into the future of media, exploring predictions for the next 1 to 5 years and beyond. We kick off by defining what media encompasses, from traditional forms like TV and newspapers to modern digital platforms and social media. Our discussion is divided into two main parts: the type of content and the structure of media. We explore how technology drives the structure of media, with historical examples leading up to the current peak of podcasting 1.0. Predictions are …
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Monthly Goals | November 2024
It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.As an additional little bonus we talk about the importance of stacking goals, the idea that they're not just a one-off and actually linger long after we switch our focus to elsewhere. And no we are not doing any 'Nom Nom' challenges as Juan asks me.Much appreciation to everyone who boosted and streamed over this last month!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:59) Kyrin's October 2024 Recap(00:04:18) Juan's…
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Pushing Limits: Peter's Path to Success Through Hard Work and Strategic Growth
In this episode, Peter shares his journey from a humble upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur, highlighting his commitment to growth, delayed gratification, and the power of acquisitions. He reflects on life lessons, finding motivation, and his approach to achieving balance between hard work and enjoyment.(00:00) - Introduction and No Alcohol Rule(00:31) - Who is Peter? Early Life Insights(01:51) - Peter’s Work Hard, Play Hard Philosophy(02:34) - Unique Wedding Celebration Highlights(04:30) - Managing …
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From Beans to Brew: Taaj’s Coffee Journey and Entrepreneurial Growth
In this episode, Taaj shares his journey from being raised by immigrant parents in Australia to building a thriving coffee business. He discusses the challenges of balancing a 9-to-5 job with entrepreneurial goals, the influence of Colombian culture on his coffee venture, and how he navigated unexpected opportunities in the market.(00:00) - Welcome & Background on Taaj(00:38) - Family Influence and Immigrant Upbringing(01:12) - Discovering Passion for Coffee(03:02) - Subconscious Lessons from Parents(05:00) - Ref…