Tag: The Tim Ferriss Show

Nelson Mandela, Will, A Few Good Men, Cory Booker, and a Bhagavad Gita Passage

Nelson Mandela, Will, A Few Good Men, Cory Booker, and a Bhagavad Gita Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on February 19, 2023

Sunday Supplement #93 (February 19th, 2023)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

I hope you take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“It always seems impossible until it is done.”

– Nelson Mandela

Book of the Week:

Will – Will Smith & Mark Manson

I only read Will Smith’s autobiography the other week, but it’s still fresh in my mind as a reminder of perseverance and growth. It helps that the book is wildly entertaining too.

For those that don’t know, Will Smith is a Grammy Award-winning musician, Academy Award-winning actor, and NAACP winner.

Smith covers his journey from his youth in Philadelphia to his career as a hip-hop artist, conquering Hollywood, and all the struggles in between.

Mark Manson, the #1 New York Times bestseller of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, pens Smith’s autobiography and helps it flow while still being authentically in Smith’s voice.

I don’t put too many books on my must-re-read list, but this is one of them.

Movie of the Week:

A Few Good Men

Rob Reiner’s A Few Good Men follows a military lawyer assigned a case of two Marines accused of murder despite their claims of being under orders.

Tom Cruise stars as the military lawyer, and Demi Moore, Wolfgang Bodison, Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Bacon, and Jack Nicholson all give phenomenal supporting performances.

The actors are so brilliant in the film because of the writing by Aaron Sorkin. The story and the characters are wonderfully crafted to supply a compelling drama.

A Few Good Men was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (for Nicholson).

I typically put this film on once a year, and I always find it worth the watch.

Brainfood of the Week:

Cory Booker Interview | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)

I wouldn’t usually recommend a politician in a brainfood of the week since I don’t know much about politics.

However, Tim Ferriss’s podcast interview with Cory Booker is one of the more memorable episodes I’ve come across.

The interview was conducted in 2017, so it’s a bit dated, but the conversation has much worth tuning in for.

Booker talks about his mentors, receiving a Rhodes Scholarship, his participation in a hunger strike to draw attention to urban development issues, and much more.

I’ve featured Tim Ferriss’ podcast on many previous Sunday Supplements, but I’m still finding more that are worth highlighting. This is one of them.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“You have the right to work but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction.”

– Bhagavad Gita 2:47

This passage from the Bhagavad Gita makes me question the purpose behind my actions.

I think it’s an interesting prompt to consider whether or not you would pursue something if the result isn’t guaranteed.

I don’t think that means we shouldn’t want to achieve our goals, but it helps me focus more on the love of the process.

Thinking about why you’re truly engaged in any endeavor is an interesting insight into what you really want. Sometimes our surface-level wants often have much deeper needs.

Think about what you truly love in your life, nurture it, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq, The Power of Now, BlacKkKlansman, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and a Bible Passage

Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq, The Power of Now, BlacKkKlansman, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and a Bible Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on February 5, 2023

Sunday Supplement #91 (February 5th, 2023)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

I hope you take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“Without knowledge, action is useless, and knowledge without action is futile.”

– Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq

Book of the Week:

The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle

I’ve featured Eckhart Tolle in six previous Sunday Supplements, but I haven’t featured arguably his best work, The Power of Now.

The book delves into concepts of self-reflection and being present. Tolle provides insight into why both are powerful tools, and he gives exercises to achieve the principles.

Tolle is a spiritual teacher, public speaker, and bestselling author. Oprah Winfrey hosted a 10-episode web series with him and, in a previous interview, stated that what she learned from him eliminated all stress from her life.

Most self-improvement books point to many of the same conclusions about living a better life. For me, Tolle’s The Power of Now is one of the best and most useful.

Movie of the Week:

BlacKkKlansman

Spike Lee’s catalog of movies is extensive, stretching back to the 80s, and well worth delving into. BlacKkKlansman is one of his more recent masterpieces.

The film tells the true story of the first Black detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Ron Stallworth infiltrates a local Ku Klux Klan branch with the help of his Jewish colleague and combats the racist organization from within.

BlacKkKlansman has much to appreciate from a filmmaking point of view and much to take in on the history of racism in America.

Brainfood of the Week:

Neil deGrasse Tyson — How to Dream Big | The Tim Ferriss Show

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, educator, and author. He has been appointed by the United States government on multiple occasions in an advisory capacity or to serve on a scientific commission.

In the interview with Tim Ferriss, Tyson discusses his childhood, his education, and how he progressed in his career as an astrophysicist.

There are many entertaining stories in the almost two-hour interview, in addition to the coverage of his career in science.

I’ve featured many Tim Ferriss podcast interviews in previous Sunday Supplements, and there is always something worth picking up from them. Tyson’s is another great episode.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”

– Titus 1:16

The Epistle to Titus is attributed to Paul the Apostle and describes the requirements and duties of elders and bishops.

This passage calls out those who preach the word of God but don’t walk the walk. It emphasizes the expression that actions are louder than words.

The Bible has many passages that express how God doesn’t view flowery words and lack of action highly.

There are also passages that express the good path of improvement. This verse from the Epistle to Titus reminds me to reflect on what person I want to be.

Think about what you want to put out into the world, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Rachel Wolchin, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Castle in the Sky, Jamie Foxx, and Dhammapada Ch 5

Rachel Wolchin, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Castle in the Sky, Jamie Foxx, and Dhammapada Ch 5

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on December 11, 2022

Sunday Supplement #83 (December 11th, 2022)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

I hope you take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet.”

– Rachel Wolchin

Book of the Week:

Journey to the Center of the Earth – Jules Verne

Journey to the Center of the Earth follows a geology professor Otto Lidenbrock who finds a manuscript claiming a route to the earth’s core.

Lidenbrock embarks on a journey with his nephew Axel and native Icelandic guide Hans Bjelke into the depths of an extinct volcano.

Jules Verne is the second most translated author of all time. His bestselling literary works of the 18th century inspired literature and film well beyond his years.

Journey to the Center of the Earth is a wonderful combination of imagination and adventure. For being written in the 1860s, the prose holds up magnificently.

There’s much to appreciate from Verne’s novel, and it’s worth checking out for its vast history in storytelling.

Movie of the Week:

Castle in the Sky

It’s been a while since I’ve featured a Studio Ghibli film. Their studio has one of the best catalogs of movies I’ve seen, and there are many worth recommending.

Studio Ghibli is solely an animation company, however, their movies have themes and stories that all ages can appreciate.

Castle in the Sky follows a young girl, Sheeta, who possesses a magic crystal that is the key to finding a legendary lost city in the clouds.

Multiple parties search for the lost city, including pirates and government agencies. Sheeta, with help from a young boy, Pazu, attempts to reach the city first.

The animation, music, and story combine beautifully for a fantastic film. Castle in the Sky marks the first official film in Studio Ghibli’s incredible roster and is one of its best.

Brainfood of the Week:

Jamie Foxx Interview | The Tim Ferriss Show

I frequently featured Tim Ferriss’s podcast when I started this blog. I haven’t used a full episode for the Brainfood of the Week in a while, but this is a good one to revisit.

Tim is famous for his top-rated podcast, bestselling self-help books, and lifestyle blog. In this podcast episode, he interviews actor, comedian, and musician Jamie Foxx.

The interview with Jamie Foxx is one of my favorite interviews I’ve come across. One of the top benefits of Ferriss’s podcasts is the long-form format and insightful questions.

Foxx delves into his life growing up in Texas, successful habits, and untold Hollywood stories. There is much wisdom in his stories and answers.

The podcast episode runs for a little over two and a half hours, but if you can check it out in full, it’s worth it.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Perform those actions you will never regret: actions that will ripen into future joy and delight. Why do what you will regret? Why bring tears upon yourself? Do only what you do not regret, and fill yourself with joy.”

– Dhammapada Ch 5

The Dhammapada is one of the most well-known Buddhist scriptures. It contains sayings of the Buddha in verse form.

This passage from the Dhammapada shows me where my internal compass should always point.

I think back on times when I regretted my actions or indecision, but I’ve used those experiences as a chance to learn.

When I face new choices, I try to remember this verse’s message and make the decision that I will not regret and take joy from knowing I did my best.

Look for the choices you won’t regret, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Paulo Coelho, The 4-Hour Workweek, The Birdcage, Emily Esfahani Smith, and Ecclesiastes 3:12

Paulo Coelho, The 4-Hour Workweek, The Birdcage, Emily Esfahani Smith, and Ecclesiastes 3:12

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on June 12, 2022

Sunday Supplement #57 (June 12th, 2022)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

I hope you take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.”

– Paulo Coelho (Matthew 6:21)

Book of the Week:

The 4-Hour Workweek – Timothy Ferriss

I’ve featured Tim Ferriss in seven different Sunday Supplements, but they all were in the Brainfood of the Week Category with interviews he’s conducted on The Tim Ferris Show.

In addition to being a brilliant interviewer, Ferriss is famous for his “life-hack” blog posts and bestselling books on various topics.

Tim’s The 4-Hour Workweek is the first of his bestselling self-help books. It delivers anecdotes and how-tos on eliminating unnecessary work and maximizing results.

I haven’t always been a fan of Ferriss’s tone on his podcast and in his writing, but I’ve liked him more in the past year or two since his deeply personal podcast episode.

The 4-Hour Workweek is a throwback to his days when he came off out of touch at times with different audiences, but some of the content he covered was excellent.

The book’s time management and work negotiation sections were some of my favorite and had tips I continue to use today.

Read with a grain of salt, but there is sure to be something useful you add to your own routine.

Movie of the Week:

The Birdcage

Mike Nichols’s The Birdcage was adapted from Jean Poiret’s play and starred Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, and Dianne Wiest.

The story follows a cabaret owner and his drag queen companion as they agree to put on a false straight front so their son can bring his fiancée’s right-wing parents to meet the family.

The film carries a comedic tone throughout but champions LGBTQ+ issues in serious moments at a time (1996) when it was taboo to cover them.

Williams and Lane star as the partners and parents pretending to play it straight. The story utilizes both actors’ brilliance to help the film shine.

The Birdcage was nominated for only one Academy Award (Best Art Direction-Set Decoration) and arguably missed out because of the movie’s story.

Nichols’s movie stands the test of time and is one to check out for many reasons, including one of Robin Williams’s best performances.

Brainfood of the Week:

TED Talks: There’s More to Life Than Being Happy | Emily Esfahani Smith

In this TED Talk, Emily Esfahani Smith discusses her journey from the pursuit of achieving happiness by achieving success to finding out how to live a life of meaning.

Smith went to graduate school for positive psychology to find out why she and others struggled despite achieving success.

Data showed Smith that chasing happiness can make people unhappy.

Suicide rates reached a 30-year high in America. Even though life has improved objectively by nearly every conceivable standard, more people feel hopeless, depressed, and alone.

Research shows that this despair comes from a lack of meaning in life. Is there more to life than being happy? And is there a difference between being happy and having meaning in life?

How can we each live more meaningfully? Smith spent five years interviewing hundreds of people and reading through thousands of pages of psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy.

Smith found what she calls the four pillars of a meaningful life— Belonging, Purpose, Transcendence, and Storytelling.

In the video, Smith details each pillar and how they affect our lives.

This Ted Talks is genuinely one of the best videos I’ve come across about the meaning of life. Please take the time to give it a watch.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live.”

– Ecclesiastes 3:12

This bible passage reminds me not to chase happiness and to look for the moments to help others when I have the opportunity.

The words ‘be joyful’ don’t describe a state achieved through outside influences. In Ecclesiastes, the words read to me of an emotion that comes from within.

I believe we can be affected by outside influences, consciously or unconsciously, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But we can always choose or work on choosing how to respond.

And when we go about our lives, I believe we have the ability to tap into whatever emotion we want. For me, this Ecclesiastes passage reminds me to tap into joy.

The other part of the passage reminds me that acts of service ‘doing good’ are our most powerful ways to contribute and experience life.

I believe doing good can come in small acts as well as grand acts, and sometimes it’s the small acts that can make a massive difference in someone else’s life.

Act from joy, watch for the moments to do good, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Henry David Thoreau, The Graveyard Book, El Mariachi, The School of Life, and Ecclesiastes 5:3

Henry David Thoreau, The Graveyard Book, El Mariachi, The School of Life, and Ecclesiastes 5:3

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on May 1, 2022

Sunday Supplement #51 (May 1st, 2022)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

I hope you take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”

– Henry David Thoreau

Book of the Week:

The Graveyard Book – Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book focuses on the coming of age of Nobody Owens.

Bod’s story differs from most normal boys in that he’s raised and educated by the ghosts of the graveyard where he lives.

There are adventures and dangers in the graveyard, including a portal to the city of ghouls, but in the land of the living, the man who killed Bod’s family is looking to finish the job.

Neil Gaiman is a successful author, comic book creator, and screenwriter, with numerous awards, accolades, and adaptations of his work.

However, when the prolific author came up with the idea for The Graveyard Book, he thought he wasn’t at the skill level to write the book.

In a The Tim Ferriss Show episode, Gaiman recalls the story of how he came up with the story and the wait for the right moment to give the idea justice.

I featured Neil Gaiman in a few of my Sunday Supplements but only once for Book of the Week. The Graveyard Book deserves the nod for this week and is worth checking out.

Movie of the Week:

El Mariachi

I’m not always a fan of Robert Rodriguez’s films, but I respect his work and his journey as a filmmaker and creator.

In Sunday Supplement #5, I featured his interview on The Tim Ferriss Show. In the episode, Rodriguez covers his breakthrough into the industry and what he’s learned along the way.

Rodriguez also goes into a bit of the story behind the making of his film El Mariachi, told in full in his book Rebel Without a Crew.

When Rodriguez was in college, he decided to take one of his breaks to film his first feature film in Mexico. He raised $7,000, partly by volunteering for a clinical pharmaceutical research trial, and wrote the script.

Rodriguez virtually, as a one-person crew, shot and edited the entire film with some help from friends and their connections.

The ambitious filmmaker drove to Hollywood to shop the finished product, hoping to sell it to the Spanish language market. He ended up making a deal with Columbia Pictures, resulting in a spot at Sundance.

El Mariachi tells the story of a traveling mariachi who finds himself on the run from a gang trying to kill him after he’s mistaken for a hitman.

Desperado, featuring Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek, is the American reboot (directed by Rodriguez), but the original is worth watching to see the start of Rodriguez’s journey.

Brainfood of the Week:

What is Success? | The School of Life

The School of Life’s channel consists of content from psychologists, philosophers, and writers devoted to helping people lead calmer and more reliant lives.

In this video, the topic is success and how it often gets defined versus what it actually is.

The clip states how the word success is used a lot regarding money, status, fame, and power. However, the dictionary defines success differently.

Success is more neutral and less value-laden than we tend to assume. It means doing anything well, excelling at something.

This definition can encompass many activities. It can be attributed to major milestones but also to little wins that often get overlooked.

The video goes on to explain how no one can be successful at everything. There is too much out there for us to experience in one lifetime.

Therefore it’s essential we definite the areas of our lives where we want to be successful.

I featured a The School of Life video in Sunday Supplement #33. If you like this short clip, check out their other videos.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“For a dream comes with much business and a fool’s voice with many words.”

– Ecclesiastes 5:3

This bible quote reminds me to focus on work that’s important to me and to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I try to jump in on a project instead of sounding it out too much. I’ve learned the necessity of preparation, but I’ve also experienced plans always discussed but never executed.

Henry David Thoreau’s quote works its way into this passage in my mind through the idea that success comes when you are busy doing what you love.

Success to me has to be personal, just as a dream is personal. Both Thoreau and the Bible quote emphasize the utility of personal action.

I’m glad when I come across quotes like these because they remind me that I have the power to define and achieve success/my dreams.

Take a step or two on your personal goal’s path, and have a blessed week ahead!

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