We spend our whole lives chasing something we think will make us happy—only to find out we’ve been running in circles. In this episode of the Vitruvian 5000 Podcast, Nick and Jesse break down the biggest lie we tell ourselves about happiness, the cultural programming that keeps us in a state of dissatisfaction, and the hidden forces shaping our desires.

From the impact of modern sexuality and relationships to the way technology is rewiring our minds, this conversation dives deep into the existential questions we avoid asking. Are we truly free? Or are we just playing out roles written for us by society?

Prepare for a mind-bending conversation on attachment, contentment, and the philosophies that might just set you free.

📌 Episode Timestamps:

00:00 The Rise of Sex Robots

04:43 Cultural Reflections on Sex and Society

12:47 The Impact of Porn on Modern Relationships

18:56 Exploring Japan: Future Travel Plans

23:49 Cultural Norms and Relationships

26:45 Zen and the Art of Acceptance

28:54 Navigating Modern Discontent

30:45 The Power of Inward Focus

34:08 The Journey to Contentment

44:55 Freedom Through Detachment

In this episode of Vitruvian 5000, hosts Jesse & Nick discuss the importance of self-awareness and comfort in solitude, sharing personal insights and experiences from Nick's recent trip to Sicily. 

They delve into the significance of understanding one's patterns, heritage, and the transformative power of resilience amidst challenges—including reflections on family history, relationships, and personal growth. 

Tune in for an introspective conversation on cultivating internal peace and the continuous journey of self-discovery.

00:29 Revisiting Sicily: A Personal Journey

03:56 The Mafia's Impact on Family

10:00 Contemplating Life in Palermo

16:53 Reflections on Impermanence and Resilience

25:48 Reflecting on Historical Hardships

29:27 The Journey of Self-Discovery

34:13 The Path to Self-Mastery

39:17 The Journey of Personal Growth

44:15 Balancing Life and Training

47:46 Future Plans and Reflections

What does it mean to truly thrive? In this reflective and philosophical episode, Nick and Jesse delve into the timeless pursuit of longevity, exploring the interplay between physical health, emotional resilience, and mental clarity—the three pillars of a fulfilling life.

This conversation takes you on a journey through self-awareness, the importance of movement (both physical and spiritual), and how to balance the paradox of "just keep moving" with the power of stillness. Along the way, the duo shares personal anecdotes, insights from thought leaders like Peter Attia, and practical advice on living with intention.

Are you chasing external validation, or are you cultivating a life aligned with your true self? Tune in and reflect on what it means to live with purpose.

⏳ Timestamps

02:09 Exploring Brighton and Surroundings

04:16 BMW Motorcycle Adventure

12:27 Reflections on Solitude and Routine

20:37 The Nuances of Zen and Desire

24:39 Health and Longevity

28:39 Emotional and Cognitive Health

34:06 The Importance of Flexibility

37:09 Movement and Meditation

43:14 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

Dive into the depths of human psychology, identity, and the ego as Nick and Jesse unpack the stories we tell ourselves and the subconscious impressions that shape our lives. From the transformative power of surrender to the intersection of psychedelics, meditation, and self-awareness, this episode is a journey toward breaking free from our own mental constructs.

Discover how childhood wounds, societal expectations, and the need for control influence our behaviors and relationships. Through deeply personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, Nick and Jesse explore how to heal, embrace pure awareness, and live with peace and liberation.

This conversation touches on:

🌟 Whether you're navigating your own path toward enlightenment or just curious about what makes us tick as human beings, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Vitruvian 5000, hosts Jesse and Nick delve into the essence of living in the present moment, using experiences from their personal lives such as dealing with chronic pain and practicing Zen awareness. 

The discussion spans across various topics including the importance of posture, the impact of technology on our attention span, the evolutionary perspective on human behavior, and the potential future impact of artificial intelligence. 

Through reflective anecdotes and philosophical explorations, they emphasize the significance of being present and mindful in a world full of distractions.

00:38 In-Depth Discussion: Shoulder and Neck Issues

02:02 Personal Experiences: Dealing with Pain

06:40 Evolution and Human Nature

12:05 Mindfulness and Zen Training

15:42 The Struggle to Be Present

17:48 Finding Peace in the Present Moment

19:26 The Challenge of Pure Awareness

23:30 The Impact of Technology on Presence

26:36 The Evolutionary Dilemma

30:25 The Future of AI and Humanity

35:10 Concluding Thoughts on Zen and Awareness

Welcome to The Modern Philosopher Podcast, where Nick and Jesse pull apart the intricate threads of life’s stories, illusions, and truths. In this thought-provoking episode, they explore the ancient metaphor of the snake in the road and what it reveals about human perception, fear, and the power of storytelling.

Welcome to Mind Over Matter, where Jesse and Nick dive deep into what it really means to push through life's toughest challenges. From samurai mentalities (yes, you read that right) to testing the limits of perseverance, this episode is packed with raw honesty, sarcastic humor, and a dose of reality checks. Jesse shares his silver-medal-winning journey in competitive Jiu-Jitsu (and his ongoing battle with blind spots), while Nick dissects how tiny life adjustments can have massive impacts—both on the mat and off. Oh, and there’s some Harrison Ford elevator talk.

Whether you’re into martial arts, self-reflection, or just appreciate a good laugh, this episode is your ticket to wisdom wrapped in wit. Strap in—this one’s a journey.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro: Pushing Through Life (and when to stop)

[05:23] Jesse’s Samurai Mindset: Competing for Mental Clarity

[12:47] Blind Spots: Jiu-Jitsu Lessons for Life

[24:15] The Power of Tiny Adjustments (and unexpected gratitude)

[30:55] Outro: Infinite Technology, Harrison Ford, and Les Pauls

Welcome to Vitruvian 5000! In today’s episode, “The Secret of Silence and Self-Awareness,” your hosts Jesse and Nick take you on a mind-bending journey through jiu-jitsu, keto, consciousness, and everything in between. 

Tune in as we explore how to stay fit with a practical keto approach, dive into jiu-jitsu training insights from world-class pros, and tackle life’s existential questions—like, what exactly is consciousness? 

We even throw in plans for a tropical jiu-jitsu seminar, just to keep it interesting. Expect witty New York commentary, some enlightening tangents, and a bit of soul-searching—all with a side of New York sarcasm, of course.

[00:00] Intro – Another day, another existential crisis

[04:15] The Dominican Republic recap and jiu-jitsu adventures

[16:30] Breaking down keto for sustainable weight loss

[33:45] Jiu-jitsu training insights: Butterfly guard, leg locks, and more

[46:20] Consciousness, self-identity, and the power of silence

[1:10:30] Planning a jiu-jitsu seminar in paradise

[1:20:00] Outro – Until next time!

In this enlightening episode, featuring insights from Dr. Alok Kanojia's discussion with Steven Bartlett on 'Diary of a CEO', we delve into the profound impacts of psychic trauma, the power of mindfulness, and the journey towards emotional wellness. 

Discover how unresolved trauma, known as samskaras, shapes our subconscious mind and behaviors, often leading to harmful coping mechanisms. Learn the importance of self-awareness, self-love, and addressing inner blockages through mindfulness. 

The conversation extends to exploring fleeting pleasures, the roots of suffering, and the significance of inner dialogue in achieving true confidence and authentic leadership. 

By embracing stillness, understanding the ancient wisdom of emotional balance, and rejecting toxic energy, we can unlock the path to inner freedom and genuine happiness. 

Join us in this profound exploration of healing and self-understanding in a constantly stimulating world.

00:00 Understanding the Power of Feelings

01:09 The Concept of Psychic Trauma

06:12 Coping Mechanisms and Their Roots

09:10 The Importance of Awareness

21:13 The Journey Inside: Martial Arts and Self-Knowledge

24:08 Understanding Self-Sabotage

27:38 The Inner Critic and Self-Sabotage

29:06 The Struggle with Stillness and Validation

Join Jesse Viola & Nick Gullo on Vitruvian 500 as they examine the influence of cult behavior in politics and business, the idolization of leaders, and the philosophy of embracing discomfort. 

Delve into the parallels between political tribalism, income inequality, and the benefits of cross-training in Jiu Jitsu. 

Uncover insights on navigating media bias, competition anxiety, and Zen practices for a resilient, self-aware life.

01:59 The Basics of Business Simplified

03:21 The Cult of Politics and Symbols

07:32 The Age of Cults and Social Media

17:58 The Philosophy of Cross Training in Jiu Jitsu

19:01 Personal Growth Through Diverse Training

20:46 The Importance of Facing New Challenges

27:06 The Role of Anxiety in Competition

36:51 Monetizing Martial Arts: The Business Side

38:14 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Recommendations