Ya don’t say! →

Published April 25, 2022  ·  All posts on Apr 25  ·  

Another factor to consider is that this was a study in “lean” adults, and it is possible that results would be different if the investigators included people who actually need to lose weight.

~ Peter Attia from, Is alternate-day fasting superior to calorie restriction for fat loss in lean adults?

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Some times I read stuff that is really disappointing. (This is one such case, don’t bother clicking through.) Attia’s content is almost entirely really good… no idea what happened here.

My BMI is currently above 33. Say what you will about BMI—but, please don’t, I know what you’re considering telling me—but I am over-weight. I should drop 20 pounds. Then drop another 20 pounds… and guess what. I still wouldn’t be down to a BMI where they’d let me into the study Attia was writing about. What— why would you do a weight-loss study on people whose weight is, (according to BMI,) normal?? Face palm.

Here’s what I know about alternate day fasting: It really works if you are fat, (like me.) Presuming your body can metabolize fat—caution, the average western diet down-regulates that ability to near zero… But presuming your body can metabolize fat, a day of not eating is pleasant. I’m serious. And then the second morning, 40+ hours of not eating, I’m actually hungry. Meanwhile, my body just used up thousands of calories of fat. Then I simply go back to eating. Anyway. That’s my experience.

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Moderation →

Published April 24, 2022  ·  All posts on Apr 24  ·  

True happiness springs from moderation.

~ Goethe

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Tranquility →

Published April 24, 2022  ·  All posts on Apr 24  ·  

I have a sequence of daily prompts for myself. The other morning it was, “Am I an energy-giver or -taker”. (There’s more to each prompt.) I thought about the prompt—as I do with each one, every morning—and something new occurred to me related to this prompt…

Whether I’m an energy-giver or -taker depends on what mood I’m in! There seem to be at least 3 moods. OVER-REVVING: Too many ideas, or a new/big idea, on my mind. Interacting with me in this mood really drains people. There’s just too much information flowing from me, and it’s too fast for anyone to follow—energy-taker! DEPRESSED: I know well what this mood is like. I’m no fun to be around… soul-crushing for others to be around me in this mood—energy-taker! …and finally, TRANQUIL: This is the state to be in. It’s also the state where I have the energy and space to be sufficiently aware of the people I Interact with. Only in this state can I listen.

Sure, “3 moods” is an over-simplification, of course. But it feels like a simple and useful pre-flight check: “About to interact? Which mood am I in? …and how can I shift to tranquil if that’s not where I am.”

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Just sitting there →

Published April 23, 2022  ·  All posts on Apr 23  ·  

Don’t expect anything to happen. Just wait. This waiting is a deep acceptance of the moment as such. Nietzsche called it amor fati — unquestioning love of whatever has fated you to be here. You reach a point where you’re just sitting there, asking, “What is this?” — but with no interest in an answer. The longing for an answer compromises the potency of the question. Can you be satisfied to rest in this puzzlement, this perplexity, in a deeply focused and embodied way? Just waiting without any expectations?

~ Stephen Batchelor

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Amor fati →

Published April 23, 2022  ·  All posts on Apr 23

Don’t expect anything to happen. Just wait. This waiting is a deep acceptance of the moment as such. Nietzsche called it amor fati — unquestioning love of whatever has fated you to be here. You reach a point where you’re just sitting there, asking, “What is this?” — but with no interest in an answer. The longing for an answer compromises the potency of the question. Can you be satisfied to rest in this puzzlement, this perplexity, in a deeply focused and embodied way? Just waiting without any expectations?

~ Stephen Batchelor

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That’s a quote presented by Maria Popova within a much larger post… which you should totally go read. There’s a stillness, and perhaps even tranquility, which I very much hope you’ve experienced. I’ve mastered the walking meditation which is perambulation. But the fully engaged sense of simpy being, when there’s no sense of expectation, is still a surprise when I manage to get far enough out of my own way.

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Preparation with Danny Attias →

Published April 22, 2022  ·  All posts on Apr 22

How can preparation and spontaneity be balanced in podcasting to foster engaging conversations?

A technology leader reflects on lessons from public speaking and podcasting.

The podcast forced me to listen. Don’t get distracted. Really engage and ask questions. You know, my deal with myself was: Don’t allow your voice to be heard more than 15% of the show, because they’re tuning in for the guest.

~ Danny Attias (11:06)

The discussion centers on balancing preparation and spontaneity in podcasting and public speaking. Danny describes his approach to speaking engagements, highlighting the challenges of monologuing versus participating in interactive formats. The conversation touches on the advantages of minimal preparation for fostering authentic dialogue and the difficulties of structuring scripted presentations, such as a TED Talk-inspired podcast episode.

Another focus is the theme of empathy, privilege, and imposter syndrome as critical lessons derived from podcast conversations. These themes inform the guest’s personal growth and leadership style. The conversation also touches on the technical aspects of podcast production, with Danny recounting experiences recording in person and navigating unexpected technical challenges. Reflections on sustaining creative energy and the decision to organize episodes by seasons further enrich the dialogue.

Takeaways

Preparation and spontaneity — striking a balance shapes the quality of podcast conversations.

Empathy in leadership — understanding others’ complex lives drives connection and impact.

Imposter syndrome — a universal challenge shared by even highly accomplished individuals.

Privilege as a tool — leveraging it to support and uplift others is crucial.

Podcasting as a learning tool — fosters listening skills and deeper engagement.

Structuring episodes — themed or spontaneous formats impact energy and workflow.

Technical challenges — audio quality and setup often require creative problem-solving.

Seasonal production — managing creative energy by pre-recording episodes can reduce stress.

Resources

Saundership podcast — a podcast focused on leadership, empathy, and personal growth.

Movers Mindset podcast — a podcast exploring movement, thinking, and personal stories.

Auphonic — an audio post-production tool for optimizing sound quality.

Seth Godin’s AltMBA — an intensive leadership and business workshop.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Recharging with Tracy Bedford →

Published April 22, 2022  ·  All posts on Apr 22

How do creative individuals balance personal growth, self-compassion, and the challenges of isolation inherent in artistic endeavors like podcasting and acting?

Balancing the solitude of podcasting with the communal energy of acting is examined through personal anecdotes.

It’s really just being present and focusing only on that one thing, and I think it’s kind of a meditative experience.

~ Tracy Bedford (20:07)

The conversation examines the personal journey of balancing creative pursuits like podcasting and acting with the emotional toll of isolation and perfectionism. Tracy and Craig discuss the challenges of sustaining creative momentum, especially when life’s demands and self-doubt intervene. Acting emerges as a counterbalance to the solitude of podcasting, offering communal support and immediate feedback.

A significant theme revolves around self-compassion and learning to accept one’s current state, whether in creative highs or lows. The importance of presence, mindfulness, and finding restorative activities—such as walking in nature, journaling, or engaging with a supportive community—is highlighted. The conversation underscores the value of self-reflection in nurturing both personal and artistic growth.

Takeaways

The interplay of creativity and community — how acting provides immediate connection and podcasting requires self-sufficiency.

The challenge of perfectionism — striving for high standards while learning to let go.

The role of solitude in creativity — distinguishing between being alone and feeling lonely.

The importance of presence — mindfulness as a means to enhance creative focus.

Therapy and self-compassion — tools for navigating personal and artistic challenges.

Recharge strategies — walks in nature, reading, and inspiring podcasts as restorative activities.

Resources

Tom Bilyeu — Podcaster known for discussing self-improvement and resilience.

Joel Osteen — Inspirational speaker whose messages were adapted in the conversation.

Rich Roll podcast — Mentioned as a motivational resource.

“Just Keep Swimming” — Reference to an uplifting mantra from Finding Nemo.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Not self-made →

Published April 22, 2022  ·  All posts on Apr 22  ·  , ,

[…] it is not true that I am self-made. Like everyone, to get to where I am, I stood on the shoulders of giants. My life was built on a foundation of parents, coaches, and teachers; of kind souls who lent couches or gym back rooms where I could sleep; of mentors who shared wisdom and advice; of idols who motivated me from the pages of magazines (and, as my life grew, from personal interaction).

~ Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Brittle and prone to failure →

Published April 22, 2022  ·  All posts on Apr 22  ·  

Together, these approaches comprise “complexity.” They tend to make the economic system less resilient. At least temporarily, they pass fewer of the higher costs of energy products through to current citizens. As a result, the economy can temporarily withstand a higher price of energy. But the system tends to become brittle and prone to failure.

~ Gail Tverberg from, Spike in energy prices suggests that sharp changes are ahead

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I don’t know whether to say you’ll be better, or worse, off—but I absolutely recommend reading everything Tverberg has ever written. I’ve a number, (nowhere near all of her stuff however,) of things quoted here on the blog; All those posts are tagged Gail Tverberg. History shows many examples, over thousands of years of recorded history, where economies, (empires, civilizations, and the people,) grew slowly and ended precipitously. There’s yet to be an example of a gradual decline. The open question is for how much longer—possibly very very much longer—can humanity continue to incline? (And to be clear, I don’t have an educated opinion about that question.)

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Weakness →

Published April 21, 2022  ·  All posts on Apr 21  ·  

Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause.

~ Victor Hugo

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