Good Work with Barrett Brooks

How Tiny Experiments Lead to Big Breakthroughs with Anne-Laure Le Cunff

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This week, I’m bringing back one of our most popular episodes—my conversation with neuroscientist, writer, and Ness Labs founder Anne-Laure Le Cunff. When we first spoke in 2024, she was deep in her PhD, balancing academic rigor with writing for a broad audience, all while sharing her journey in public. Now, she’s releasing her new book, Tiny Experiments, which explores how small, intentional experiments can unlock personal growth and creativity. Anne-Laure’s approach to navigating uncertainty, following curiosity, and designing an intentional life is something I deeply align with. And I wanted to revisit this conversation because it’s packed with insights on how world-class creators forge their own paths—without a roadmap. Whether you’re familiar with Anne-Laure’s work or hearing from her for the first time, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s get to it!

In this episode:

  • [00:00] - Intro
  • [01:59] - Liminal moments and navigating life's crossroads
  • [05:41] - Lessons from neuroscience on embracing the in-between
  • [10:44] - The power of intuition in decision making
  • [30:07] - Cultural roots and identity
  • [40:03] - Learning from failure
  • [46:38] - Ness Labs
  • [48:34] - The journey of learning and growth
  • [49:22] - The power of authenticity and community
  • [50:07] - Embracing personal evolution
  • [51:35] - The impact of public learning and mistakes
  • [53:00] - Exploring inner growth through psychedelics
  • [54:47] - Ayahuasca experiences
  • [57:42] - The significance of ancestral pain and healing
  • [01:09:41] - Creative process and the virtue of writing in public
  • [01:15:44] - Navigating between academic research and public engagement
  • [01:19:30] - The personal content diet and the anti-library concept
  • [01:27:53] - Envisioning the future and reflecting on personal growth


    • Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.

    Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

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    Good Work with Barrett BrooksBy Barrett Brooks
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