You Are Heroic with Brian Johnson
Episodes
Interview: Make It Stick with Peter Brown
18 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Want to learn about the science of successful learning? Then this is the book for you. Written by a story-teller and two of the world's leading cogni...
PNTV: The Seventh Sense by Joshua Cooper Ramo
17 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This book is very different than the types of books I usually focus on. It's not "self-development" per se; it's more like "state-development"—as in...
Interview: Smarter Faster Better with Charles Duhigg
16 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning NY Times journalist (and Harvard MBA) who wrote the best-selling book The Power of Habit in which he walked...
PNTV: On the Shortness of Life by Seneca
15 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Seneca was an old-school Roman statesman and one of history's leading Stoic philosophers. In this book he tells us that life is only short if you don'...
Micro Class: Purpose + Entrepreneurial Spirit
14 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
"As a predictor of later success in life, I would place my bet on strong entrepreneurial capacitites" says William Damon, one of the world's leading d...
PNTV: Success Through Stillness by Russell Simmons
13 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Russell Simmons is often called the godfather of hip-hop. He's a fascinating guy and entrepreneur. This book is a quick, straight-to-the-point guide t...
Optimal Sleep 101: How to Get a Great Night of Sleep to Optimize Your Energy, Mood and Mojo (Intro)
12 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sleep. It's the secret sauce to optimal living. In this class, explore my Top 10 favorite Big Ideas on how to create consistent, great night's of slee...
Interview: Presence with Amy Cuddy
11 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Amy Cuddy is awesome. Her TED talk is the 2nd most popular ever. This book is just as good. Learn the science of cultivating your personal power to br...
PNTV: The Path to Purpose by William Damon
10 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This book is a scientific look at Purpose by one of the world's leading developmental psychologists—a powerful look at how to cultivate purpose in ...
Micro Class: Veritas
09 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Veritas. That's the Latin word for truth. The Romans considered it the mother of all virtues. Are you shining the light of truth on your life?
PNTV: The Power of Ideals by William Damon and Anne Colby
08 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
William Damon and Anne Colby are two of the world's leading researchers in the field of moral psychology. They're both Professors at Stanford and hav...
Interview: Ego Is the Enemy with Ryan Holiday
07 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Meet the enemy: Your ego. Our guide, Ryan Holiday, wrote one of my favorite books of 2015: The Obstacle Is the Way. Ego Is the Enemy is now one of my ...
Micro Class: The 3 P's of Peak Performance
06 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Mistakes are part of life/performing. It's what we do when they happen that matters. Remember the 3 P's: Present + Positive + Process.
Interview: Black Hole Focus with Isaiah Hankel
05 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Black holes. Just contemplating the sheer, fierce power of them is awe-inspiring, eh? Isaiah Hankel tells us that although physicists used to think t...
Interview: Purpose, Leadership & Peak Performance with the CEO of the Detroit Pistons, Dennis Mannion
04 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Dennis Mannion is the CEO of the Detroit Pistons. He's one of the few (if not the only) people to be a top executive in the top 4 sports leagues in t...
PNTV: The Champion's Comeback by Jim Afremow
03 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Jim Afremow is one of the world's leading sports psychologists. We covered his first book The Champion's Mind. This one is kinda like part 2 in which...
Micro Class: How to Develop Jedi-Like Concentration
02 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Want Jedi-like concentration powers?! (Me, too.) John Hargrave tells us there are two keys: We need to 1. Reclaim and 2. Retrain our attention.
PNTV: Mind Hacking by Sir John Hargrave
01 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sir John Hargrave is a funny guy and this book is awesome. If you're a bit of a geek (or if you're married to one!) looking for a fun, grounded, supe...
Micro Class: The Drift
31 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The Drift. It's what happens when we don't have a clear plan for our lives. Are you drifting? Acknowledge it then create a plan!
PNTV: Living Forward by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy
30 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Living Forward is a powerful little book all about helping us figure out our Life Plan--which is, essentially, the vision for every aspect of our live...
Optimal Business 101: How to Create a Great Business and Get Paid to Change the World (Intro)
29 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Over the last 20 years, I've spent half my time in Founder/CEO-mode and the other half in Philosopher-mode. Before going all in as a Philosopher, I bu...
PNTV: Noble Purpose by William Damon
28 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
William Damon is one of the world's leading scientists studying human development and the psychology of morality. In this book, he gives us a guide to...
PNTV: Primary Greatness by Stephen Covey
27 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Covey passed away in 2012. This book was published posthumously and features a collection of wisdom focusing on the fact that private victory...
Micro Class: News + Mood
26 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that consuming news for just 3 minutes early in the day can lead to a lower mood up to 8 hours later? Yep. Here's how to deal with that.
Micro Class: "Sic Transit Gloria" <-- Words of wisdom from your Roman advisor
24 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine being at the height of power. Crowds adore you. You are a total 100% rock star of awesome. And, wisely, you appointed an advisor to whisper i...
PNTV: Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson
23 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn Stevenson is a health coach who has one of the most popular health & fitness podcasts out there called The Model Health Show. This is a short, ...
Micro Class: Virtues, Meet Your Parents!
22 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Virtues: Meet your parents!!! Here's your mom, Humility. And your dad, Courage.
Interview: Broadcasting Happiness with Michelle Gielan
21 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this book, Michelle Gielan takes her background in broadcast journalism (as a CBS News anchor) and combines it with her background in positive psy...
PNTV: Choke by Sian Beilock
20 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sian Beilock is one of the world's leading researchers studying the science of optimal performance. In this book, she walks us through a range of res...
Micro Class: Euthymia = Tranquility
19 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The Greeks had a word for staying true to your own path. Euthymia. When we do that we experience tranquility. (Let's do that.)
PNTV: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
18 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Jocko Willink and Leif Babin were two of the most senior (and decorated) SEALS on the ground in the most intense battles of Iraq. In this book they s...
Micro Class: Résumé Virtues vs. Eulogy Virtues
17 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Most us spend all our time polishing our résumé virtues. We'd be wise to focus more energy on cultivating our eulogy virtues. (What are yours?)
Creativity 101: How to Create Cool Stuff and Do Your Life's Work (Intro)
15 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this class we'll look at your #1 creative project, doing your life's work, turning pro and the three laws of mastery. Plus how to get your mind rig...
PNTV: The Road to Character by David Brooks
14 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In today's world, the road to character has a much less defined map than the road to external success. In this thoughtful, penetrating book, New York...
Micro Class: Gritty Passion
13 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Gritty passion is more like a compass than fireworks. How's yours?
Micro Class: Success: 3 = 75%
12 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Michelle Gielan and Shawn Achor have worked with 1/3 of the Fortune 100 companies. They have discovered 3 core attributes that lead to 75% of success...
PNTV: Broadcasting Happiness by Michelle Gielan
11 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this book, Michelle Gielan takes her background in broadcast journalism (as a CBS News anchor) and combines it with her background in positive psy...
Micro Class: How to Create Miracle Months
10 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Want to create Miracle Months? Well, here's how I'm approaching it. Hope you enjoy!
PNTV: Grit by Angela Duckworth
09 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Angela Duckworth is the world's leading authority on the science of grit. In fact, she pioneered the field and, as Daniel Gilbert says on the cover: ...
Mommahood 101: How to Celebrate Motherhood—The Most Creative Work of Your Life! (Intro)
08 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this special class, my wife Alexandra joins us to share her Top 10 Big Ideas on how to celebrate the most creative time of your life. Discover how ...
The Confidence Quadrant (via The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha)
06 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Confidence. It's very different than Arrogance and Insecurity. Here's how.
Micro Class: Wise Parenting (for Fatherhood 101 via Grit by Angela Duckworth)
05 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Angela Duckworth's new book on Grit is *phenomenal.* Note, etc. soon. I'm prepping for Fatherhood 101 so this Idea really jumped out at me and I figu...
Interview: The Art of Work with Jeff Goins
04 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
As the sub-title suggests, this book is all about "A proven path to discovering what you were meant to do." If you're looking for an inspiring introd...
Micro Class: Joy-$-Flow
03 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Want to win the career lottery? Here's your winning ticket: Joy +Money + Flow.
Micro Class: The 3 Laws of Mastery
29 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The 3 Laws of Mastery = 1. It's a mindset. 2. It's a pain. 3. It's an asymptote.
PNTV: Born for This by Chris Guillebeau
27 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
What were you born to do? As you might have guessed, that's what this book is all about. Our guide, Chris Guillebeau, gives us a bunch of helpful tip...
Micro Class: Creativity + "No, thx!"
26 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Peter Drucker didn't believe in "creativity." It was all about PRODUCTIVITY for him. Here's how/why he said no to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's invite to...
Micro Class: Your Legacy?
25 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
What will your legacy be? Tune in to your eulogy + Job with a capital J.
PNTV: Drive by Dan Pink
25 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Pink is an incredibly engaging writer and this book is fantastic. In this book, he tackles human motivation and, as the sub-title suggests, tells ...
Purpose 101: How To Discover Your Purpose and Fulfill Your Destiny. (And Why it Matters.) (Intro)
24 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Abraham Maslow tells us that what one can be, one must be. Actualizing our potential is like oxygen for the soul. Helping you discover your p...
PNTV: Legacy by James Kerr
20 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s national rugby team The All Blacks are arguably THE greatest team ever. In this book, James Kerr unpacks what makes them so great and ...
Micro Class: Greatness + Homeostasis + Adaptability
19 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Homeostasis is a system's tendency to do what it needs to do to maintain stability. Here's how to use that to our advantage to reach our potential. (T...
PNTV: Peak by Anders Ericsson
18 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Anders Ericsson is the world’s leading scientist studying expert performance—looking at how, precisely, the people who are the best in the world a...
Interview: Born for This with Chris Guillebeau
05 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
What were you born to do? As you might have guessed, that's what this book is all about. Our guide, Chris Guillebeau, gives us a bunch of helpful tips...
Interview: Willpower with Roy Baumeister
29 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Willpower. It's ESSENTIAL to optimizing our lives. In fact, in their *great* book, Willpower, Roy Baumeister (one of the world's leading scientific re...
Conquering Depression 101: How to Tame the Gremlins and Create an Awesome Life (Intro)
28 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Have you or someone you loved ever experienced depression? If so, it's time to tame the gremlins and create a sustainably awesome life. Here are my To...
Interview: The Tools (Part 3!) with Phil Stutz & Barry Michels
27 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for Part 3 in The Tools interview series as Phil Stutz and Barry Michels walk us through the two Tools we didn't touch on in the prior chats: ...
Interview: The Happiness Equation with Neil Pasricha
26 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Neil Pasricha is a fascinating guy. A Harvard MBA and director of leadership development for Walmart who gave one of the most popular TED talks ever a...
Interview: Get Fully Charged with Tom Rath
25 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Rath is a best-selling author of Eat Move Sleep + Are You Fully Charged? and a bunch of other great books. (He also wrote our favorite kids book: ...
Micro Class: Icky Guys
24 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Do you wake up and high five your Icky Guy? If not, you're missing out. Here's why you want to make your ikigai your new bff.
Micro Class: Limbic-PFC Seesaw
23 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know your limbic system (think: emotions) and prefrontal cortex (think: rational thoughts) act like a sort of seesaw? When one is up the other...
Meditation 101: How to Meditate without Moving to the Himalayas (Intro)
22 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Meditation. It's unequivocally awesome. But it can also get a little more esoteric than necessary. Enter: How to meditate without moving to the Himala...
Micro Class: Ugly But Effective + Good Bad Days
21 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
UBE + GBD. Ugly but effective + Good bad days. That’s where it’s at. When things get wobbly we can’t let it all fall apart. Gotta be a champ and...
Positive Psychology 101: How to Tap into the Science of Optimizing + Actualizing (Intro)
18 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
I LOVE the science of flourishing. In this class, we have fun exploring my absolute favorite Big Ideas from my absolute favorite psychologists. Life-c...
Micro Class: Fear: Stop vs. GO!
17 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Fear strikes. Now what do you do? Try to calm yourself down or lean into it? Learn how to activate your GO! systems when you're feeling high states of...
Interview: Choose the Life You Want with Tal Ben-Shahar
16 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tal Ben-Shahar is one of the most popular professors in Harvard's history and does a great job of integrating the rigor of the science of happiness wi...
Micro Class: Sirens + Odysseus Contracts
15 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know the Sirens in the Odyssey tailored their songs for each voyager's unique weaknesses? Yep. Makes you wonder what they sing to YOU, eh? Let...
Love 101: How to Optimize the Love in Your Life (Intro)
14 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Want to optimize your relationship? My wife, Alexandra, joins us for this special class. Join us as we explore 10 of our favorite Big Ideas--starting...
PNTV: Your Brain at Work by David Rock
11 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder how your brain works while you’re at work? And, even more importantly, how you can OPTIMIZE how your brain works while you work? If so, ...
Micro Class: What Is Hope? (+ Why does it matter?)
10 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Hope. It's POWERFUL. And, it's different from Fantastizing and Dwelling. Here's what science says it is. (Plus the three facets: Goals + Agency + Path...
PNTV: The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha
09 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Neil Pasricha is a fascinating guy. A Harvard MBA and director of leadership development for Walmart who gave one of the most popular TED talks ever a...
Micro Class: Good, Better, Best
08 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
How do you evaluate your performance? Most people get it wrong. Do you? (Hint: Don’t start with the negative stuff. Start with the GOOD then think a...
PNTV: Black Hole Focus by Isaiah Hankel
07 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Black holes. Just contemplating the sheer, fierce power of them is awe-inspiring, eh? Isaiah Hankel tells us that although physicists used to think th...
Conquering Procrastination 101: How to Quit Putting Your Life on Hold and Actualize Your Potential (Intro)
06 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Procrastination. We all do it to some extent but the best among us have learned how to conquer it to sustain peak motivation in pursuit of their goal...
Interview: The Neuroscience of Emotion + Meditation with Richie Davidson
05 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Richie Davidson is one of the world's leading authorities on the neuroscience of emotion and meditation. Join us for a quick chat about some Big Ideas...
Micro Class - Self-Affirmation Theory
03 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Stuart Smalley affirmations aren't awesome but science says self-affirmation is. Here's a quick look at the difference.
Micro Class: Energy Now
01 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Why do you strive to exercise more, eat well and sleep better? Your motivation matters. Here's what science says about how to best optimize. (Hint: Co...
Interview: The Coaching Habit with Michael Bungay Stanier
29 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Bungay Stanier is one of the world's leading coaches. Join us we chat about some of the Big Ideas from his new book: The Coaching Habit!
Habits 101: How to Discover Your Super Powers and Create Habits that Will Change Your Life (Intro)
26 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Aristotle tells us: "We are what repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act but a HABIT." It's not about living at your best every once in a while. It's ...
Interview: The Science of Success with Matthew Syed
04 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
What do you think about excellence? Do you think it's primarily driven by natural, inborn talent? Or, do you think that it's primarily driven by effor...
Interview: The Right Kind of Crazy by Adam Steltzner
19 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Steltzner is the right kind of crazy. How else do you figure out a sky crane to drop a rover on Mars? (Hah.) In this book, he walks us through "A...
Interview: Multiply Your Time with Rory Vaden
16 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Rory Vaden has written two great books I love: Take the Stairs + Procrastinate on Purpose. In this chat, we have fun exploring some of my favorite Big...
Masterpiece Days 101: How to Create a Great Life One Great Day at a Time (Intro)
09 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Great lives (and great 2016s!) are created one great day at a time. Here's how to rock it. Get the Workbook + watch the full Masterpiece Days 101 cla...
PNTV: Presence by Amy Cuddy
05 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Amy Cuddy is awesome. Her TED talk is the 2nd most popular ever. This book is just as good. Learn the science of cultivating your personal power to br...
Greatest Year Ever 101: How to Make 2016 the Best Year of Your Life (Intro)
28 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This is an introduction to our newest Master Class: Greatest Year Ever 101: How to Make 2016 the Best Year of Your Life and Create an Unending String ...
Micro Class - Self-theories: 2 Frameworks + 2 Goals
17 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Carol Dweck tells us we can have 2 different frameworks to approach intelligence and achievement. Each has its own goal. Here they are. (P.S. Choose w...
Micro Class - Anxietivity
15 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Creativity and anxiety go together. Anxietivity. Let’s remember that a meaningful life in which we’re flourishing and giving ourselves most fully ...
Interview: Deep Work with Cal Newport
12 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Deep Work. It's the key to how you get So Good They Can't Ignore You—which, of course, is the title of another one of Cal's great books. Big Ideas i...
Micro Class - Passion: Naive vs. Informed
10 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Naive passion is *great*!! Right up to the first obstacle. Then our hero tiptoes out the back door. We need the courage of informed passion.
PNTV - Are You Fully Charged? by Tom Rath
09 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Are you fully charged? Tom Rath tells us it’s all about what we do DAILY and that if we want to improve the quality of our lives (and sense of alive...
Micro Class - Desirable Difficulty
08 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Malcolm Gladwell tells us some difficulties can be desirable. How about yours?
PNTV: Maximize Your Potential by Jocelyn K. Glei
07 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This is the second of the three books currently in 99U Book Series. (We cover them all.) Big Ideas we explore in this one include putting yourself int...
PNTV - Make Your Mark by Jocelyn K. Glei
04 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This is the third installment in 99U’s book series on the “missing curriculum” for creative leaders. Like the other two, it’s a collection of ...
Micro Class - Doublethink
03 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The ability to hold two contradictory beliefs in your mind simultaneously while accepting both of them AND knowing when to bring the right one to the ...
Micro Class - 50 lbs for an A
02 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine a ceramics teacher splitting a class in two: One group is graded for quantity, the other for quality. Which one do you think creates the bet s...
Micro Class - Motivation Tip: Spark + Sustain + Amplify
01 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Here's a quick look at how to Spark + Sustain + Amplify your motivation as you optimize and actualize. Remember: Ambition + Expectancy + Attention + E...
Interview: Mindsight with Dr. Dan Siegel
29 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Mindsight. It's the seventh sense you didn't know you had! Can you pay attention to the inner workings of your own mind? That's what Dr. Dan Siegel, o...
Interview: The Paleo Manifesto with John Durant
28 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
If you're looking for a smart, grounded, funny and well-written introduction to the Paleo movement, this is the perfect place to start. Big Ideas we e...
Micro Class - Smartcut Hack: Small Wins
26 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Want a big win? Then small wins are where it's at. Build your momentum. Make progress!
PNTV - Self-theories
25 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Carol Dweck is one of the world’s leading researchers on the science of motivation. This book is a collection of brief essays on various aspects of ...