The future of original thought is now. In an AI-driven world, how do you ensure your ideas remain uniquely yours? Dr. Sönke Ahrens, author of How to Take Smart Notes and creator of the accompanying online course How To Take Smart Notes with Obsidian, unveils the Zettelkasten method: a revolutionary "smart notes" strategy to AI-proof your brain.  

Discover how this system acts as your personal dialogue partner, transforming how you learn, think, and write. Dr. Ahrens reveals actionable insights to conquer information overload, beat writer's block, and spark groundbreaking ideas. Learn to build a robust "scaffold of understanding" for peak cognitive performance. Don't miss this essential guide to mastering external thinking. 

ℹ️ About the Guest

Dr. Sönke Ahrens, a distinguished social scientist, educator, and author of the groundbreaking bestseller, How to Take Smart Notes. His book, which introduced the powerful Zettelkasten Method of Personal Knowledge Management to over 100,000 readers worldwide, fundamentally challenges traditional views on how individuals learn, think, and write, arguing that writing is not just a way to document thoughts, but the very act of thinking itself. 

• Websites
• Twitter (X)

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

• Niklas Luhmann (German social scientist, system theory thinker, Zettelkasten advocate)
• Benjamin Franklin (American polymath, writer, scientist, inventor, statesman)
• Ryan Holiday (Author, Stoicism popularizer, note-taking advocate)
• Robert Greene (Author of The 48 Laws of Power)
• David Perell (Digital writing and knowledge synthesis advocate)
• Tiago Forte (Productivity and personal knowledge management expert, creator of PARA method and Second Brain)
• Charlie Munger (Investor, businessman, philanthropist, advocate of "scaffold of mental models")

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Discover the psychology behind entrepreneurial success with Dr. Corey Wilks, a clinical psychologist turned executive coach who transforms high-achieving entrepreneurs trapped in 'lucrative misery.' From growing up in rural Appalachia on food stamps to coaching VC-backed founders, Corey reveals why most entrepreneurs self-sabotage, how to break free from waiting for permission, and the revolutionary approach to conquering procrastination that has nothing to do with time management.

ℹ️ About the Guest

Dr. Corey Wilks, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and executive coach who helps entrepreneurs and creators overcome imposter syndrome, burnout, and self-sabotage. He earned his Doctor of Psychology from Marshall University and practiced therapy in rural Appalachia before shifting into coaching in 2020. In 2020, he founded Creator Alchemy, a community offering group coaching and resources for values-driven business growth. Outside of work, he enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Dungeons & Dragons, and life in Austin, Texas

• Website
• Newsletter (Creator Alchemy)
• LinkedIn
• Twitter (X)
• YouTube
• Psychology Today Profile

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

• Ali Abdaal (Entrepreneur, YouTuber, Author)
• Ryan Holiday (Author of The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy) 
• Tim Ferriss (Author, The 4-Hour Workweek, The Tim Ferriss Show) 
• Mark Manson (Author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*) 
• Jordan B. Peterson (Psychologist, Author of 12 Rules for Life) 
• MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) (YouTuber, Philanthropist)
• MKBHD (Marques Brownlee) (Tech Reviewer, YouTuber)  
• Gary Vaynerchuk (Chairman VaynerX, CEO VaynerMedia)
• David Goggins (Ultra-endurance Athlete, Author)
• Kevin Kelly (Senior Maverick, Wired; Author of The Inevitable)
• Chris Williamson (Host, Modern Wisdom Podcast) 
• Pat Flynn (Host, Smart Passive Income)
• Paul Millerd (Host, The Pathless Path Podcast)

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Is your quest for peak performance lost in a sea of biohacking fads and conflicting advice? In a world saturated with quick fixes and miracle cures, discerning genuine science from fleeting trends can feel like navigating a minefield. Many embark on their optimization journey armed with popular advice, only to find themselves investing time, energy, and resources into strategies that yield minimal returns or, worse, prove counterproductive. The allure of the "next big thing" often overshadows the foundational pillars of true health and vitality, leaving many feeling frustrated and no closer to their goals.

Enter Dr. Neil Paulvin, a renowned physician specializing in human performance and longevity for high-achievers, from CEOs to elite athletes. In this eye-opening episode of MindHack, Dr. Paulvin joins us to dismantle the myths and cut through the noise. He provides a masterclass in true health optimization, revealing which popular biohacks stand up to scientific scrutiny and which are merely hype. If you're ready to move beyond the fads and build a resilient foundation for lasting peak performance, this conversation is your tactical blueprint.

ℹ️ About the Guest

Dr. Neil Paulvin is a leading physician in longevity and human performance. He works with CEOs, Fortune 500 executives, and professional athletes to help them achieve peak physical and mental output. Dr. Paulvin focuses on a comprehensive, science-backed approach, integrating foundational health principles with cutting-edge advanced therapies, always emphasizing personalized protocols based on in-depth biomarker analysis and individual goals.  

• Website: Dr. Neil Paulvin: Functional Medicine & Integrated Manual Theraphy in New York  
• Instagram: @drpaulvin  

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

• Dr. Peter Attia  
• Journal of Experimental Psychology  
• Dr. Rhonda Patrick (FoundMyFitness Podcast)  
• Wim Hof Method  
• Dave Asprey  
• Dr. Andrew Huberman  
• Bryan Johnson  
• Creatine  
• Fish Oil (EPA)  
• CoQ10  
• NAD/NR Precursors  
• Glutathione  
• Methylene Blue  
• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)  
• GLP-1 Agonists (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide)  
• BPC-157, TB-500  
• GHK-Copper  
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)  
• Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis)  
• Function Health  

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That voice in your head telling you you're not enough? It's not your enemy, it's part of your "Inner Crew" trying to protect you.

In this mind-blowing episode, therapist Colleen West reveals why understanding your internal parts is the key to healing trauma and conquering anxiety. She breaks down the revolutionary Internal Family Systems approach that's taking the therapy world by storm.

Discover why your anxiety exists, how childhood wounds still drive your adult decisions, and why that inner critic won't shut up. Plus, learn how to access your authentic "Self", the calm center that can finally bring peace to your mental battlefield.

Cody shares his own journey using IFS to understand his workaholic tendencies, while Colleen explains how even pre-verbal trauma from infancy can be healed.

Stop fighting yourself. Meet your Inner Crew and transform your relationship with every part of you that's been misunderstood.

ℹ️ About the Guests

Colleen West is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25 years of experience helping individuals heal from trauma. As an Internal Family Systems Clinical Consultant and former EMDR Approved Consultant, Colleen brings a depth of expertise in transformative healing approaches that go beyond traditional talk therapy.

She is the author of "We All Have Parts: An Illustrated Guide to Healing Trauma With Internal Family Systems," which makes complex psychological concepts accessible through thoughtful illustrations, as well as "The IFS Flip Chart: A psychoeducational Tool for Unlocking the Multiple Mind". Drawing from her own journey of healing childhood wounds, Colleen specializes in pre-verbal trauma and has developed unique insights into how our earliest experiences shape our adult lives.

• Instagram: @colleenwest
• Twitter/X: @colleenwest
• Facebook: Parts Work: Trauma-Informed IFS
• Websites: https://www.colleenwest.com/ and https://smarttherapytools.com/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colleenwest
• iTunes
• Spotify
• Download as MP3

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

• Colleen West - Our guest, LMFT, IFS Approved Consultant, and author.
• Richard Schwartz - Founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), mentioned as Colleen's mentor.
• "We All Have Parts: An Illustrated Guide to Healing Trauma With Internal Family Systems" - Colleen West's book, providing a guide to IFS.
• "No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model" - 

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Neuroscientist meets Trial Lawyer and what happens next will rewire your mind. Neuroscientist Josh Davis, PhD, and trial lawyer turned entrepreneur Greg Prosmushkin, authors of "The Difference That Makes The Difference," reveal powerful, easy to use Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to instantly shift your mindset for success.

We dive into compelling stories of how NLP dramatically transformed Greg's courtroom confidence and Josh's ability to quickly shift emotional states. You'll discover practical NLP strategies including mental reframing, breaking negative thought loops, and mastering instantaneous rapport to improve your communication skills, overcome stress, and erase self-limiting beliefs.

Listen now to learn how NLP can upgrade your thinking, elevate your performance, and unlock lasting, positive change across your work, relationships, and personal growth.

ℹ️ About the Guests

Joining us today are neuroscientist Josh Davis, PhD, and trial lawyer turned entrepreneur Greg Prosmushkin, co-authors of the groundbreaking new book, "The Difference That Makes The Difference." Together, they combine powerful neuroscience and real-world courtroom strategies to help you harness simple yet transformative Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques. A special shoutout to their innovative collaboration bridging science and practical insights to create meaningful positive change.

• LinkedIn - Josh Davis PhD
• Instagram -Two Awesome Hours
• Instagram - Greg Prosmushkin
• Facebook - The law office of Greg Prosmushkin 
• Website - Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
• iTunes
• Spotify
• Download as MP3

Get a copy of the book "The Difference that Makes the Difference" today.

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

• Tony Robbins (Motivational speaker, NLP advocate)
• John Grinder (Co-founder of Neuro Linguistic Programming, NLP)
• Robert Cialdini (Author of "Influence")
• Books - "The Difference That Makes The Difference" by Josh Davis, PhD and Greg Prosmushkin”

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The invisible prison holding you back isn't built with bars but beliefs. Most never realize they forged their own chains.

Enter Jay Yang: while classmates played video games, he cold-emailed CEOs and landed career-making opportunities with Noah Kagan at 16. By 19, he commanded a six-figure business and 200,000 followers without permission slips from gatekeepers.

This conversation cracks open the playbook others pray you never discover. Jay reveals his ingenious TAG method that turns untouchable mentors into allies, the exact 19-slide deck strategy that bypassed years of corporate climbing, and his "sawdust selling" technique that transforms your everyday actions into income streams.

Behind every locked door of opportunity stands no guard but your own hesitation. Learn the four-step framework that propelled a teenager past professionals with decades of experience. This isn't inspiration. It's a tactical blueprint for those brave enough to simply try the handle.

ℹ️ About the Guest

Jay Yang believes you don’t need permission to create your own opportunities.

At 16, he cold-emailed Tyler Denk, CEO of beehiiv, with a list of ideas on how he could help. That email turned into an internship where he built beehiiv 101—a course that has helped hundreds of users unlock the platform’s potential.

At 17, he sent Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo, a 19-page pitch deck breaking down gaps in his social media and email marketing—and how to fix them. That landed him a role as Head of Content, where he led social media campaigns, including the one that made Million Dollar Weekend a New York Times bestseller.

Today, Jay continues to help entrepreneurs scale their brands, grow their audiences, and market their products more effectively.

In his latest book, You Can Just Do Things: The Power of Permissionless Action, Jay shares the stories and strategies that helped him take bold action, build momentum, and create his own career path from scratch. When he’s not working, he’s likely playing pickup basketball, lifting weights, or spending time with family and friends.

• Twitter (X): @jayyanginspires
• Instagram: @jayyanginspires
• LinkedIn: Jay Yang
• Weekly Newsletter: The Spark
• iTunes
• Spotify
• Download as MP3

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

Tyler Denk – CEO and co-founder of beehiiv; offered Jay Yang an internship after receiving a cold email from him at age 16

Noah Kagan – Founder of AppSumo; hired Yang as Head of Content after Yang pitched him with a 19-page deck; The pitch deck Jay used – Noah Kagan

Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan – NYT bestselling book that Jay helped promote through strategic content campaigns 

Charlie Munger – Investor and Warren Buffett's business partner; quo

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You're stuck in life because you're navigating uncertainty without understanding the invisible geography of your mind.

Tech design maverick Vicki Tan (Google, Spotify, Headspace) transforms decision-making with a powerful insight that revolutionized her career: most people struggle to make choices that lack self-coherence. They don't align with who they truly want to be.

Discover how cognitive biases influence all aspects of your daily life, from perception of time to how you navigate life's most pressing questions. Through thought-provoking stories—including how her 125-pound dog taught her more about self-discovery than moving to NYC—Vicki maps the quiet ways we approach uncertainty.

She reveals why changing jobs, cities, and relationships sometimes fails to deliver satisfaction, while explaining why well-intentioned advice from friends might not resonate with your unique mental shortcuts.

From her interactive guide "Ask This Book a Question," learn the playful approach to decision-making that empowers you to understand yourself in a new way. This journey of self-discovery helps you view your questions in a different light, making you surprised by how clear your path forward becomes.

ℹ️ About the Guest

Vicki Tan is a San Francisco–based digital product designer and behavioral science expert whose work has shaped user experiences at leading tech companies. Currently a Staff Product Designer at Pinterest, she has previously held key design roles at Spotify, Headspace, Lyft, and Google. Her approach blends psychology and design to create meaningful products that help people find inspiration and build healthy habits. In April 2025, Vicki released her debut book, Ask This Book a Question: An Interactive Journey to Find Wisdom for Life's Big and Little Decisions. This innovative guide reimagines decision-making by encouraging readers to explore their questions through the lens of cognitive biases and storytelling. The book offers interactive visuals and prompts to help readers navigate choices with greater clarity and self-awareness. 

• Instagram - http://instagram.com/vickiheart
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickitan/
• Twitter - http://twitter.com/vickiheart
• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/vickiheart.bsky.social

Get your copy of "Ask This Book a Question" today: https://vickitan.com/book

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

• Vicki Tan - Product designer who worked at Google, Spotify, Headspace, and Pinterest; author of "Ask This Book a Question"
• Ask This Book a Question by Vicki Tan - Book about decision-making through questioning, available April 8, 2025
• Daniel Kahneman - Behavioral economist mentioned in relation to cognitive biases
• Amos Tversky - Collaborated with Kahneman on cognitive bias research
• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - Book on behavioral economics and cognitive biases
• Viktor Frankl - Referenced regarding the space between stimulus and response
• James Clear - Author of "Atomic Habits" mentioned regarding tiny habits creating life shifts
• Atomic Habits by James Clear - Book about building good habits and bre

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What if everything you've been told about success is actually holding you back? In this eye-opening conversation with Harvard-trained lawyer turned spiritual entrepreneur Tama Kieves, we unveil why "being practical" might be the most impractical decision you'll ever make for your happiness.

Feeling empty at the peak of achievement isn't just common—it's a wake-up call. Tama reveals the counterintuitive truth that 68% of high achievers report feeling trapped in their success, and shares her radical approach to breaking free from conventional thinking. Her provocative advice to "stop being so damn practical" isn't just bold—it's backed by Yale neuroscience showing how embracing uncertainty actually supercharges creativity by 53%.

From rewriting limiting beliefs to accessing your hidden genius, this episode delivers transformative insights for anyone who's ever felt successful yet unfulfilled. Discover why your unconventional desires aren't frivolous—they're the encoded roadmap to your most authentic life.

ℹ️ About the Guest

Tama Kieves is a Harvard Law School graduate who left her legal career to help others discover and pursue their true calling. She shares daily inspiration for unconventional achievers on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube @TamaKieves. Her latest book, Learning to Trust Yourself, explores how limiting beliefs can shape our reality—and how to overcome them. Her work has been featured in a TEDx talk and highlighted by publications like Oprah Magazine.

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TamaKievesAuthor/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tamakieves
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamakieves
• YouTube - @TamaKieves

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

• Learning to Trust Yourself - Tama's latest book about overcoming limiting beliefs
• Thriving Through Uncertainty - Another book by Tama mentioned in the conversation
• A Course in Miracles - A spiritual program Tama teaches, focused on living in love instead of fear
• TEDx Talk: "You Can't Plan an Inspired Life" - Tama's TEDx talk mentioned in the introduction
• Free CBT - iOS App recommended by Cody for cognitive behavioral therapy
• Jim Carrey - Mentioned for his quote about fame
• Inspired Self Dialogues - Tama's free tool for undoing fear or negativity

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Everyone's obsessed with using AI to be more productive—but what if we've got it all wrong? In this mind-blowing conversation with Sublime founder Sari Azout, we uncover why the "move faster" mindset might actually be making us miserable.

Sari drops truth bombs about why imagination—not technical skills—will be the career superpower of the future. She reveals how the most successful people will use AI differently than everyone else, and why being willing to be bored might become the ultimate luxury.

We explore the surprising reason many tech leaders don't let their own kids use the products they create, and how to build a personal knowledge system that gives you an unfair advantage in an AI world. If you're feeling overwhelmed by productivity culture, this episode will completely change how you think about technology.

ℹ️ About the Guest

Sari Azout is the founder of Sublime, a personal knowledge management tool designed to help people curate and connect ideas in meaningful ways. In her thought-provoking essay "The End of Productivity," she challenges conventional thinking about AI and productivity—questioning whether our obsession with efficiency is actually preventing us from doing our best work. With Sublime, she's building technology that focuses on deepening intention rather than hijacking attention, creating a refreshing alternative in today's distraction-driven digital landscape.

• X - @sariazout
• Instagram - @sariazoutbaka
• iTunes
• Spotify
• Download MP3

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

• Sari Azout - Founder of Sublime
• Sublime - Personal knowledge management tool
• "The End of Productivity" Essay by Sari Azout - Essay mentioned in the podcast
• Cal Newport - Author known for "Deep Work" concept
• Mark Andreessen - Mentioned regarding creativity and execution
• Steve Jobs - Referenced regarding children's technology use
• Morning Brew Newsletter - Newsletter mentioned in discussion
• Blaise Pascal - Quoted: "All of man's problems stem from his inability to sit quietly in a room alone"
• Linus Torvalds - Creator of Linux, mentioned regarding creativity and intrinsic motivation
• Jiro Dreams of Sushi - Documentary film referenced regarding mastery and dedication

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Your Body's Secret "Source Code" That Big Medicine Doesn't Want You to Access! Dr. Beth McDougall exposes the hidden intelligence within you that conventional doctors miss entirely. After solving thousands of "impossible" health cases over 25+ years, she's uncovered the shocking truth about your body's "pristine blueprint" – an energetic template that could transform how you heal forever.

Beth McDougall, MD is contributing to an emerging medical paradigm at the intersection of medicine and contemporary physics and  describes health in the larger context of our relationship to the life force that informs, animates, and connects us all. Thinking about health in this larger context provides solutions for reversing disease, slowing aging, and optimizing our lives.

From Defeating Her Own Lyme Disease to Running San Francisco's Most Elite Health Clinic! Get the same actionable strategies Dr. McDougall uses with her high-performance clients. Learn the simple body-listening technique that outperforms expensive medical tests, and unlock your body's natural healing superpowers that could add decades of vibrant health to your life!

ℹ️ About the Guest

Dr. Beth McDougall, pioneering physician and medical detective, joins us today. Follow her @bethmcdougallmd on Instagram where she shares cutting-edge insights on health optimization. Her latest book "Your Pristine Blueprint" reveals how our bodies contain an encoded intelligence that can revolutionize healing when properly accessed. As Chief Medical Officer at JYZEN, she's collaborated with top biophysicists to create what many consider the most comprehensive bio-optimization center in the world.

• Instagram: @bethmcdougallmd
• Youtube 
• Website
• iTunes
• Spotify
• Download MP3

👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions

• Your Pristine Blueprint - Book
• JYZEN - Dr. McDougall's medical and human performance center in San Francisco
• Dr. Peter Attia - Mentioned for his proactive healthcare approach
• Dr. Andrew Huberman - Referenced regarding morning light exposure
• Brian Johnson - Mentioned for his extreme longevity experiments and "Blueprint" protocol
• Dr. Rhonda Patrick - Referenced regarding heat shock proteins and sauna usage

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