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Tag: Tim Ferriss

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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James Baldwin, Autobiography of a Yogi, American History X, Rich Roll, and a Japanese Proverb

James Baldwin, Autobiography of a Yogi, American History X, Rich Roll, and a Japanese Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on November 6, 2022

Sunday Supplement #78 (November 6th, 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:

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

– James Baldwin

Book of the Week:

Autobiography of a Yogi – Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda was one of the first Indian yogis to spend a significant period in the West and popularized Eastern spirituality in America.

Autobiography of a Yogi recounts Yogananda’s childhood, his studies as a youth, his journeys as an adult, and the legacy of the lessons he received and passed on.

Before Yogananda’s acclaimed autobiography, there weren’t many insights into India’s history of spirituality.

The fact that his autobiography was first published in 1946 and is still in print today speaks to the quality of the text.

While there are many lessons in the book, it also is an adventurous read that provides a beautiful window into the experiences of a renowned yogi.

Movie of the Week:

American History X

American History X follows the younger brother of a former neo-nazi skinhead heading down the same path while his older brother re-enters his life and tries to prevent his descent.

The film artfully navigates two storylines and weaves them together to tell a complete story. 

One is the older brother’s experiences that change his attitude and beliefs, and the other is the experiences of the family and the present situation they face from the point of view of the younger brother.

American History X is a violent and shocking movie, but it has a purpose and explores themes like rage powerfully. The performance from Edward Norton is phenomenal.

While the film is rough in a few areas, it provides a deep viewing experience that asks thought-provoking questions and lingers with the viewers.

Brainfood of the Week:

Mood Follows Action | Rich Roll

I’ve featured Tim Ferriss on a few previous Sunday Supplements in various capacities. I’ve also featured Rich Roll interviews before.

The clip I highlight this week comes from a long-form interview Tim Ferris conducts with Rich Roll about Rich’s views on mood following action.

In the video, Tim asks Rich to expand on the phrase “Mood Follows Action.”

Rich talks about his first sponsor in sobriety saying that phrase to him and how action triggers the change-state of mood.

Rich then goes on to mention neuroscientist Andrew Huberman’s findings on the accuracy of that phrase and tells a story about running that emphasizes the point.

This is a two-minute video that I highly recommend you take the time to watch. Let me know if you enjoyed it!

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“One’s act, one’s profit.” (自業自得 -じごうじとく)

– Japanese Proverb

This Japanese proverb is pretty straightforward, and the website I found the translation on described the meaning as you reap what you sow.

The phrasing of the translation led me to think about the two sides of action and reaction, one positive and the other negative.

I believe both have the same root in your initial actions or inactions. If you put in the effort, expect to see results. Conversely, don’t expect a flower to grow where you didn’t plant a seed.

For me, it comes back to being aware of what you have control over and taking action to the best of your abilities at the time.

Take action on something you believe in, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Arnold H. Glasow, On Writing, Rocky, Escaping Ordinary, and a Japanese Proverb

Arnold H. Glasow, On Writing, Rocky, Escaping Ordinary, and a Japanese Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on September 25, 2022

Sunday Supplement #72 (September 25th, 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 isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.”

– Arnold H. Glasow

Book of the Week:

On Writing – Stephen King

Stephen King’s On Writing is a part memoir part masterclass by one of the bestselling authors of all time.

The book is divided into five sections, one narrating his life “C.V.,” one explaining “What Writing Is,” one describing a writer’s “Toolbox,” one giving advice “On Writing,” and the last discusses King’s thoughts on the accident where he was struck by a van “On Living: A Postscript.”

While the book tends to be viewed as a go-to manual for writers, the book offers more than just a writing guide.

King became one of the most successful writers in history, and it’s interesting to see that was his goal when he was young.

The first chapter is worth reading just to see the background King gives on his life growing up and his early journey as a writer.

On Writing should be on every writer’s shelf, but it is also worth checking out for readers looking for life insights from a prolific author.

Movie of the Week:

Rocky

The movie Rocky has become a part of American pop culture over the years but often for the iconic character’s underdog story and a classic score.

Many haven’t seen the film or forgotten how brilliant the original movie was. Sylvester Stallone wrote a phenomenal script that has wonderful depth in its characters.

A small-time Philadelphia boxer gets a lottery chance of fighting the world heavyweight champion when the champion’s original opponent drops out.

The film beautifully captures the struggling Rocky Balboa as he navigates his life to the best of his abilities while receiving little respect from those around him.

Once the opportunity to face the champ comes to his doorstep, people from the neighborhood pay attention. Rocky isn’t fooled but strives to fight for his self-respect.

The film won three Oscars, including Best Picture. Rocky should be on any movie lover’s list, and the extraordinary story behind the film deserves a look too.

Brainfood of the Week:

How to Become 37.78 Times Better at Anything (Atomic Habits Summary) | Escaping Ordinary (B.C. Marx)

In Sunday Supplement #8, I highlighted James Clear’s Atomic Habits. The New York Times bestseller is one of my favorite tools for self-improvement.

In this YouTube video, B.C. Marx breaks down the book with an engaging presentation. The animation and voice-over on the video are excellent.

In the book, Clear reveals practical strategies that help form good habits, break bad ones, and master tiny behaviors that lead to massive change.

Clear explains how your daily systems and routines, as well as how you view yourself, control how effective you are at building good habits or promoting bad habits.

In the video, B.C. Marx summarizes Atomic Habits, breaks down the habit-building system in it, and explains how he uses the book in his life.

B.C. Marx’s channel only has eight videos, but he has over 500 thousand subscribers because of the quality of his content. See if you like this video, and check out Escaping Ordinary.

Remember to check out James Clear’s Atomic Habits as well!

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Even dust, when piled up, becomes a mountain.” (ちりも積もれば山となる)

– Japanese Proverb

This Japanese proverb reminds me of the power of consistently making good decisions for yourself.

Whether deciding to exercise for ten minutes or devoting a half hour each day to a hobby or goal, the long-term results are often staggering.

Tim Ferriss often says on his podcast, “People overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can do in ten.”

Conversely, letting your ship stray slightly without correction can land you far off from where you want to go.

This Japanese proverb is an excellent reminder of how our decisions over time can be something that let us down or bring us great benefits.

Think of the decisions you can make or habits you can build that will help you benefit in the long term, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Anne Wilson Schaef, The 4-Hour Body, The Karate Kid, Wendy Suzuki, and the Dhammapada 204

Anne Wilson Schaef, The 4-Hour Body, The Karate Kid, Wendy Suzuki, and the Dhammapada 204

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on July 31, 2022

Sunday Supplement #64 (July 31st, 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:

“Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.”

– Anne Wilson Schaef

Book of the Week:

The 4-Hour Body – Timothy Ferriss

*I recommend this book with a grain of salt. I do not believe everything in The 4-Hour Body should be followed. Ferriss isn’t a dietician or doctor. He states as much in a disclaimer.

That being said, I picked up many useful tidbits from the book.

Ferriss’ The 4-Hour Body was his followup to his New York Times bestseller, The 4-Hour Workweek (which I covered in Sunday Supplement #57).

In addition to his award-winning podcast, bestselling books, and successes as an entrepreneur, Ferriss is a tango world record holder and former national kickboxing champion.

The 4-Hour Body is the culmination of Ferriss’ quest to find the best and tiniest changes for all things physical that produce the biggest results.

There is an excellent introduction to the book that helps readers decide which sections are best for them. It covers everything from dieting and weight loss to sex and sleep.

While I gave the asterisks at the beginning of the recommendation, there is testing behind his research, and athlete and MD referrals.

For me, this was a great book to learn about the science behind health and exercise. I view it as a good introductory book that is an easy and fun read.

Movie of the Week:

The Karate Kid

John G. Avildsen’s The Karate Kid is an 80s film about a teenager, Daniel, who gets bullied after his move to California and his journey under the tutelage of a martial arts master.

The movie is a relatively simple story, along the lines of one of Avildsen’s previous films (Rocky), and it was able to capture something special like Rocky.

Daniel’s journey in the story is an interesting mix of standing up for himself physically and learning maturity and balance in all aspects of his life.

While Ralph Macchio did a brilliant job as Daniel, the star of the movie is Pat Morita as Daniel’s tutor Mr. Miyagi.

Morita was nowhere near the radar of the higher-ups for the role, but Avildsen advocated for Morita as Mr. Miyagi. Ultimately, Morita received an Academy Award nomination for his performance.

The Karate Kid went on to have three sequels and a currently running Emmy-nominated series after its massive success at the box office.

The movie is a fun summer popcorn flick that packs some substance along with its punches.

Brainfood of the Week:

The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise | Wendy Suzuki

“What if I told you there was something you can do right now that would have an immediate, positive benefit for your brain, including your mood and your focus?”

“And what if I told you that same thing could actually last a long time and protect your brain from different conditions like depression, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia? Would you do it?”

Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki opens her TED Talks with these questions. She states that the way to achieve these powerful effects is through physical activity.

Suzuki tells a personal story that exemplifies why exercise is the most transformative thing you can do for your brain today.

Her findings through her own experience led her to change her research focus. 

After years of analysis, Suzuki found exercise has immediate effects on your brain, long-term attention function, as well as long-term improvement of good mood neurotransmitters and protective effects on your brain.

Suzuki wraps up her TED Talks by answering how long you have to exercise to trigger these positive outcomes. Exercising three to four times a week for thirty minutes is the answer.

This TED Talk has many more valuable benefits and is worth taking 13 minutes of your day.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Health is the greatest gift.”

– Dhammapada 204

Health can be taken for granted until confronted with illness in oneself or a close friend or relative.

This Dhammapada quote reminds me to cherish my health and the health of my loved ones.

I think our physical well-being is as vital as our mental well-being. They are linked, and each can be used as a kickstart for the other.

There is a lot of toxicity around the vanity of health. I don’t think healthy living means a photoshopped magazine image. It means treating your body with kindness.

Kindness doesn’t mean saying nice things and spoiling oneself or others, though. It means being honest with oneself and others without being mean.

The Dhammapada and many other spiritual practices preach the benefits of treating one’s body as a gift. 

There are many benefits to making your physical health a priority. This quote was a timely reminder for me to be more conscious of how I’m treating my body.

Treat your physical health with kindness, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Tim Ferriss, Moonraker, La Bamba, The Art of Improvement, and an African Proverb

Tim Ferriss, Moonraker, La Bamba, The Art of Improvement, and an African Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on July 3, 2022

Sunday Supplement #60 (July 3rd, 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:

“Focus on being productive instead of busy.”

– Tim Ferriss

Book of the Week:

Moonraker – Ian Fleming 

James Bond is one of the most famous characters in pop culture. Most know his name from the popular movie series that debuted in the 1960s and continues today.

The movies are based on Ian Fleming’s novels about the British secret agent. Fleming worked in naval intelligence, but his novels depicted a more fanciful story for his main character.

Fleming had an admirable output in his late career as a novelist. He wrote 15 James Bond stories starting in 1952 before his death in 1964.

Moonraker often gets overlooked because of the film’s poor reception. The decision to take the plot to space like other successful space odysseys of the time was one of a few misguided decisions.

The book stays grounded and completely takes place in Britain. It starts with a look into Bond’s daily life before he investigates an ex-British soldier turned millionaire industrialist, Hugo Drax.

Drax works on building Moonraker, a prototype nuclear missile designed to defend England against Cold War threats. 

Bond is later brought on to Drax’s staff, and the British secret agent works with undercover Special Branch Officer Gala Brand (whom he doesn’t sleep with) to uncover Drax’s plans.

Moonraker is Fleming’s third novel in the Bond series and arguably the best of the lot. It is a fun read and misses most of the negatives associated with Fleming’s works.

Movie of the Week:

La Bamba

The 1987 film La Bamba is a biographical story of the life and short-lived career of Richard Valenzuela— Ritchie Valens.

La Bamba starts when Valenzuela is 16, living with his mother and younger brother and sisters while working as a farmworker after school.

After Richard’s half-brother Bob returns from prison, the family moves to Southern California using Bob’s money.

The film covers Valenzuela’s family life (his brother’s conflicts in particular), his struggles fitting in the San Fernando Valley, and his rise to fame as Ritchie Valens.

There are many great performances in the film to admire, including Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto, and Joe Pantoliano. Phillips shines as Ritchie Valens.

In Sunday Supplement #3, I featured Stand and Deliver as the movie of the week. I discussed the story of how Phillips got the role after almost quitting acting and the imminent fame he would experience after the release of La Bamba.

La Bamba was selected in 2017 to be added to the National Film Registry of the US Library of Congress. It was deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and recommended for preservation.

There are many aspects to appreciate, and the overall positivity of the film comes through the story of the pioneer of Chicano rock and Latin rock.

Brainfood of the Week:

6 Habits of Insanely Productive People | The Art of Improvement

I’ve featured The Art of Improvement in three other Sunday Supplements. Their videos focus on helping viewers learn how to better themselves and be more productive.

In this video, the six habits of insanely productive people are starting the day right, controlling time, building buffer time, dealing with procrastination, getting stuff off their plate, and working less to achieve more.

The Art of Improvement breaks down each section and explains with examples and tools to show how to best utilize them.

In starting the day right, the video discusses how most insanely productive people start the day off early with exercise, mediation, or journaling. 

For people who don’t love mornings, Hal Elrod of The Miracle Morning offers a method that helps people learn to love mornings. The answer is simply building a custom-made morning routine you would love to wake up to.

Controlling time is essential from the start to the day to help you be productive throughout. Blocking time, batching tasks, and tracking productivity help control time.

These are just brief highlights from two sections of the video. Check it out to get the rest of the information and pick up a few tips on productivity.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Rising early makes the road short.”

– African Proverb

This African proverb reminds me of the benefits of getting to things early. I don’t think it only refers to rising early, but that can be a valuable habit to cultivate too.

To me, rising early in the proverb means rising to the challenge. We can pick whatever challenge we want for ourselves, but meeting it early can make the road seem short.

In middle school, I was surprised when I learned that if I paid attention in school rather than goof off or watch the clock, classes went by faster. Also, when I did my homework right away, I had way more free time later to do what I wanted.

I look back at those realizations and believe they still have truths today. I try to fully immerse in whatever I’m doing, and I try to get things done early.

Doing my personal tasks before I start my work day has been a great way to rise early to my challenges, so I’m not too tired later.

The African proverb has many meanings, and I’m happy I came across it. It’s an excellent reminder for me. I hope you enjoy it too!

Make time to do something you want to do first, and have a blessed week ahead!

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