The Hidden Why Podcast

Outsmarting An Economist

Steven Landsburg is an acclaimed author and professor of economics who in this interview dares us to try to outsmart an economist? He wrote his new book, Can You Outsmart an Economist? to inspire and show readers how to do just that by expanding the way you think about decision making and problem-solving.

We discuss the "why" behind economics which he suggests is all about exploring the hidden why or motives behind our behaviours and decisions in daily life. He shares several puzzles from his book aimed to exercise our brain, using logic and problem-solving ability to view things from unique perspectives. It is an enjoyable and entertaining view through the lens of an economist - challenging us to think differently about the decisions we make and what we do.

Guest Bio

Steven Landsburg is a professor of economics at The University of Rochester. He's written for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Forbes, Slate, and others of that ilk. He blogs at TheBigQuestions.com. His latest book is Can You Outsmart an Economist?: 100+ Puzzles to Train Your Brain", from Houghton-Mifflin.

Atomic Habits

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

James Clear in on a mission to assist others to make gradual, 1%, improvements, every day. His belief is that one does not rise to the level of their goals but rather falls to the level of their systems.

As a travelling photographer, professional weightlifter and now a respected expert on habit formation James says that many of us are more likely to admit defeat and succumb to self-blame when what they truly desire to achieve in life just isn’t happening. In my interview with James, he said it’s not you, it’s your systems.

Enjoy this week's book reflection on The Hidden Why.

Awareness

Today's featured guest is Kevin Murphy.

The topic is "Awareness."

Let the show begin.

Guest Bio

Kevin Murphy is a former Wall Street managing director for Citigroup, high school and collegiate wrestling champion, community activist, speaker, coach, and author of the book The Three Rooms.

These experiences have given Kevin a unique and eclectic mix of understanding human nature. He noticed that our happiness and unhappiness in life is always the result of our thoughts – whether observations of the present, memories from the past, or projected fears about the future. Combining this theory with the deep personal insights he attained along his own 20+ year spiritual journey, Kevin stepped away from the corporate world to write the book The Three Rooms, in which he explains how observing which room your thoughts are in, can change your experience of life.

The Three Rooms invites you to start the process of better monitoring your thoughts—while providing you with the keys to transform your life by doing so. As Kevin notes, those thoughts merely affect our health, our wealth and our relationships.

Tech and Human Connection

By Leigh Martinuzzi

Technology has been said to come with many great efficiencies. Of course, it does!

As we marvel with tech’s rapid and amazing advances we are becoming more aware of how significantly it infiltrates our everyday lives. Digitalisation has a heavy impact on our lives and is now a prominent field of study.

Backed be research there are those who would argue the tech is indeed making life easier for people. Then there are those that would disagree stating that the digital world is killing what it means to connect. What it means to be human.

Is tech killing human connectivity?

Enjoy this week's Solo Rant on The Hidden Why.

Rule Makers & Rule Breakers

A fascinating interview with Michele Gelfand about her new book, Rule Makers, Rule Breakers, and the exploration of the powerful forces tight and loose cultures play in wiring the world. Michele Gelfand is a celebrated cultural psychologist having spent two decades of research within this field.

Michele takes us on an epic journey through human cultures, offering a startling new view of the world and ourselves. It's not often that we think of how cultures determine our behaviours however with many great examples Michele delivers some surprising discoveries. She explains why and how much of the diversity in the way that we think and act, derives from a key difference—how tightly or loosely we adhere to social norms. Enjoy!

Akimbo with Seth Godin

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

Seth Godin is a bit of a genius in the marketing and entrepreneurial space. He even has his own Wikipedia page which, surprisingly enough, was a topic of conversation from season three, episode one – The Deletionists. He has primarily been involved in start-up businesses including his work for Yoyodyne, a very successful marketing company that helps companies promote their products and services in unique ways.

In this post, I review Seth's podcast, Akimbo, an extension of his years of experience that showcases a broad spectrum of wisdom and knowledge on certain topics relevant to business, marketers, entrepreneurs, writers and well anyone looking to create art and ship their work to an audience. Please enjoy!

Momentum

Today's featured guest is Jordan Ring.

The topic is "Momentum."

Let the show begin.

Guest Bio

Jordan Ring might seem like an intergalactic task-ninja, but he’s an authorpreneur at heart. As good as he is with words, his primary goal is to help people live a life of less talk and more action. When he isn’t busy writing, blogging, or podcasting, Jordan is also the book marketing and launch guru for clients over at his second home, Archangel Ink. And that’s not all; he’s also a freelance copywriter, writing coach, consultant—and anything else he can do to keep the lights on and coffee comin’.

His hobbies include playing on Trello boards, watching Marvel movies, drinking iced coffee, and hanging out with his amazing wife, Miranda. Together, they run a podcast called Freedom-Cast: Leaving Normal Behind. You can see what all he’s up to on his site at www.jmring.com.

Keep Moving Forward

"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself." Henry Ford

Life is not meant to be easy. We will face challenges. Perfection is a state of desire and if we have this level of expectation then we may just find the down times or times of adversity that much more hard-hitting.

We will fall. We will fail. We will at times feel defeated. It is important however to keep moving forward. Progression and growth are fundamental human needs. Without them, we will find a lacking of freedom, fulfilment and happiness.

I say we must hold on to our dreams, goals and desires. We need to slow down and not dwell in moments of despair but instead reflect on what matters to us - what is truly important. Reconnect with these things and use them as motivation to keep moving forward.

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." Walt Disney

Service Excellence, Trust, Lifestyle & Leadership Advice

In this interview, I speak with Lee Cockerell about his book years of Leadership as the Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World Resort.

Lee Cockerell is the former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World Resort. As the Senior Operating Executive for ten years Lee led a team of 40,000 Cast Members and was responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping & entertainment village and the ESPN sports and recreation complex in addition to the ancillary operations which supported the number one vacation destination in the world.

Leadership and life lessons from someone who has been there and done that. We discuss the many virtues of leadership including discipline, organisational skills, building trust and creating buy-in, micro-managment and effective delegation.

I hope you enjoy this replay. I would love to hear your thought so please comment below or reach out via email or social media.

Peace, passion and purpose.

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan Peterson

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

This is a book that will inspire and even transform its readers both in the way they perceive humanity and even in how they think and act in the chaotic order of the world. Bold claim? Wait until you read on some of Petersons' viewpoints.

Peterson’s words provide encouragement and empowerment. The rules provide the building blocks of solid character and may even assist in taking back what is fundamentally our human nature. Broad in opinion, tradition, and scientific research Peterson has attempted to formulate 12 rules to battle the confusion and disorder of modern day society.

Enjoy this weeks book review here @ The Hidden Why.