Are all altruistic gestures actually brought about by selfish means, even if only subconsciously? Today, Tim Ferriss, James, and Stephen look to not only answer that question, but also try to decipher if the resultant answer really matters. Also, James poses a FAQ to the group from his weekly Twitter Q & A sessions about whether nice guys truly finish last in business.

Last year, our guest host Tim Ferriss wrote in a blog post that he was no longer investing in new startups, even though he's done well in the past. He rationalized that other investors would quickly take his place if he stepped away from the market, which makes him replaceable in that field. Instead, he refocused his energy on writing, where he has penned a unique voice. Today, James, Stephen, and Tim look into the power of idea creation, saying no when it matters the most, and expressing your unique weirdness in all of its glory.

Despite a near-infinite number of baby books available, new parents are always amazed at how unprepared they feel. Luckily, Stephen and James - both fathers of two teenagers - have years of experience saved up to help out on this topic. Joining our hosts this week is prospective parent and recent dog adopter Tim Ferriss, who makes the case that people should successfully train a chicken before having a human child of their own.

Whether you live in downtown Manhattan or Schoharie, NY, worrying about having enough money to retire is a common fear for hard-working Americans. Today, Stephen and James examine what "the number" needed for retirement might be for the average person, and discuss whether they've been over-cautious or under-cautious when it comes to preparing their financial futures.

James quit a business he started with Stephen in 2008. Stephen quit trying to get the upper hand in discussions with his family. Both hosts quit pretending they enjoy the taste of wine. Today, we discuss the upside and downside of quitting, how to gradually unstick yourself from sticky life situations, and why no one has ever watched a play written by Stephen J. Dubner.

If Andrew Carnegie didn't fund the construction of 2,509 libraries, would the modern public library exist? Today, we take a look at the current library business vs. brick-and-mortar booksellers and online retailers. James says the branches he frequents in New York City are always empty, while the adjacent book stores are packed. Stephen, however, cites research showing that NYC's libraries are more heavily trafficked than all of the sports venues in the city combined.  Later, James proposes a new type of library that he'd like to create today, if he were given the opportunity.

If you were to air your grievances, what would they be? James and Stephen have a few to name, such as when your backgammon partner yells out unexpectedly in the middle of a diner, or when your relationship falls apart and you end up wandering the streets of New York City alone. Also, which of Stephen's grievances does he believe can be resolved by watching Kobe Bryant play basketball?

On our 100th episode, Stephen and James look into how creative and professional workloads impact one's stress and happiness. Per the usual, James' advice comes autobiographically, while Stephen's figures are aided from the research of Charles Duhigg, whom he recently interviewed.

A listener asks if his "45 minute daily walks...will keep him fit for a long time." James recounts his personal experiences trying to stay in shape for the last decade, having experimented with every "fad diet" and different exercise routines, while Stephen lets us know what podcasts are definitely on the "no listen list" while exercising.

How do our polymath hosts - including guest Brian Koppelman - use their time efficiently while juggling multiple ventures and family? On today's discussion, you'll hear discourse about forming productive habits, creating appropriate work mindsets, scheduling non-work time, and receive advice that you should tell your friend's uncle that you will not be attending his dog's wedding in Saskatoon.