My Best Podcasts for a Brain Upgrade
NOTE: This is reprint of a previous monthly memo newsletter.
I am often asked what my top podcast shows are. The ones I listen to the most.
Weird coincidence, I guess.
So I thought I would expand the love in this weeks email newsletter.
I listen to a lot of podcast shows. I find them incredibility valuable. I’m always seeking new ones to add to my catalog.
I may dislike most video instructional learning, but I love podcasts.
To be a polymath: one needs to draw ideas and inspirations from an array of disciplines across entirely different fields (arts, sciences, technology, business, etc.).
Reading is one way to do this. Listening to a variety of podcasts is another, and perhaps the most fun.
Note: I’ve tried to categorize the podcasts as best I can, but most of them transverse disciplines and topics (hence why I listen to them). So take the categorization with a pinch of salt.
Personal Mastery & Performance
The Tim Ferriss Show (Tim Ferriss)
Finding Mastery (Michael Gervais)
Impact Theory (Tom Bilyeu)
The Rich Roll Podcast (Rich Roll)
The Knowledge Project (Shane Parrish)
Exponential Wisdom (Peter Diamandis & Dan Sullivan)
The top four shows are the podcasts I listen to the most. They’re my go-to’s. If there are no new episodes that interest me, I’ll move onto another podcast show.
Book Reviews
Bookworm (Joe Buhlig & Mike Schmitz)
I like the to-and-fro book discussions between Joe and Mike. I’ve listened to many of their book reviews and have enjoyed them all. Apparently, many of their guests listen to the reviews so that don’t have to read the books.
For me tho, Bookworm is a starting point (#1) if they have a book I’m interested in reading.
Next (#2) I search YouTube for interviews with the author on the book. I’ll pick one or two, if possible with interviewers I know and trust (example: like this one between Rick Roll and James Clear for Atomic Habits)
I’ll always look to see if there’s a Philosophers Notes (Brian Johnson) review (example: like this one for Atomic Habits, keeping with the theme):
This will count towards the two.
I also have a subscription to Blinkist (#3). At this point, I have a very good idea of what the book is about.
Sometimes, after taking my notes (#4), I’ll stop there. I’ll have 80% of the insights for 20% of the effort (without even reading the book).
But if I feel I want more; the nuances, I’ll (#5) then get the book + Audible and tear through it.
That’s my process for consuming books.
Health, Wellbeing & Critical Thinking
The Drive (Peter Attia)
The Rich Roll Podcast (Rich Roll)
Peter is a Stanford/Johns Hopkins/NIH-trained physician focusing on the applied science of longevity, the extension of human life and well-being.
His episodes are ultra-deep-dive. 90% of it flies right over my head. But what I do pick up, is immensely valuable to me. Even when I feel like I’m getting brain damage when trying to follow along.
Peter is also has a passion for auto racing. To “relax,” he built himself a racing simulator. He saidWhen we move to our new apartment in a few months time, I’m building a racing sim in my office. I can’t wait!
Business & Entrepreneurship
Akimbo (Seth Godin)
Without Fail (Gimlet Media)
Rocketship (Product Explored)
Community Made (Remarkable content on relationships as the ultimate asset)
I listen to Seth’s Akimbo whenever he pushes out a new episode. They’re short; maybe 20 minutes. I love the format. I love how he does the sponsor inserts. I love the Q&A. Can’t recommend this enough.
Worldview and spirituality
Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast (Craig Groeschel)
Real Men (Mark Driscoll)
Restoring the Soul (Michael John Cusick)
AI & Tech
Sleepwalkers (Oz Woloshyn & Karah Preiss)
Masters of Scale (Reid Hoffman)
a16z (Andreessen Horowitz)
Sleepwalkers all about how AI powered-technology is impacting our lives in amazing and creative ways. Season 1 is finished. I believe they’ll be doing a Season 2. Listen to Season 1, it’s so good.
History
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History (start with Wrath of the Khans Series)
The Story (by Mission.org: narrated by Alec Baldwin)
I’ve never been a “history” guy, but Dan Carlin’s take on history is beyond amazing. This is how history should be taught in school!
These should keep you busy.
The podcast app I use (and love!) is Overcast. I use on iOS. There’s a web version, and I believe it’s also on Android:
It’s free, but the paid upgrade is so worth it: it’s ad free and I love the ‘Smart Speed’ and ‘Voice Boost’ features.
Download the app, then click the (+) button to search for a new podcast. Search by name for any of the shows listed above, then add.
Done.
Real easy.
That’s it for now.
—Jonathan “upgraded by podcasts” Smith
P.S.
I’ve you listen to a podcast that you feel is exceptionally good, please share. Hit me up and lemme know, okay?