December 7, 2016
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
For the last two years, my guest on today's show has interviewed more than 200 world-class performers, ranging from super celebs like Jamie Foxx and Arnold Schwarzenegger to professional athletes and icons of powerlifting, gymnastics, surfing and beyond, to legendary Special Operations commanders and black-market biochemists.
For many of his guests, this is the first time they’ve agreed to a two-to-three-hour interview, and this unusual depth has helped him create a massive collection of tools, tactics, and ‘inside baseball’ you won’t find anywhere else.
If you hadn't yet guessed, my guest is Tim Ferriss, and just this week, Tim has taken his notebook of high-leverage tools that he has vetted, explored, and applied to his own life, and published it for the entire world to delve into – all in the form of a nearly 700 page book that could probably double as a self-defense weapon. The name of the book, entitled Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers, delves into the dozens of tactics and philosophies Tim has picked up from his guests and used successfully in high-stakes negotiations, high-risk environments, and large business dealings, saving him millions of dollars and years of wasted effort and frustration.
In this episode, I put Tim in the hotseat as we not only discuss his new book Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers, but also go far beyond and delve into difficult, deep questions about Tim's life. During this episode, you'll discover:
-How Tim got started in business by creating and selling a smart drug that turned out to be a physical ergogenic performance enhancing aid…[9:55]
-The ingredients of Tim's first supplement he created…[12:10]
-The biggest “stacks”, techniques and biohacks Tim now uses for enhancing cognitive function that he doesn't think he ever would have discovered without having a podcast…[17:50]
-The #1 tactic Tim eventually used to heal himself of Lyme disease…[20:55]
-What Tim's workstation looks like, and how he manages to write massive books while maintaining fitness in his work environment…[43:15]
-The exact contents of Tim's “six-piece gym in a bag”…[50:20]
-Why Tim is convinced that training like a gymnast is one of the best way you can sculpt an amazing body…[56:54]
-The major fitness, diet and lifestyle modifications Tim has made since starting the podcast that he doesn't think he would have made had he not had a podcast…[65:30]
-The 17 absurd questions Tim asks himself to change his life and solve problems…[66:20]
-What Tim has implemented lately to enhance his anti-aging and longevity (and his thoughts on anti-aging supplements)…[75:30]
-The dead inventor Tim would want to bring back to life and have on his podcast (and the questions he would ask)…[85:35]
-Why Tim hasn't created a “brand”…[88:55]
-And much more!
Resources from this episode:
-My second podcast with Tim: Behind The Scenes Of The Tim Ferriss Experiment: 15 Pounds Of Muscle, Turmeric Tea, Urban Evasion & More!
-My first podcast with Tim: Tim Ferriss Cold Thermogenesis Special Episode
Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Tim or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!
Thanks again for a super podcast. Ben you sounded a little humble….not your usual assertive self next to Tim, maybe it’s just me? :) Anyways I love what both of you do. You have achieved and grown so much in the last few years I’ve followed your work. But how on earth do you both get so much done in your lives, and still manage to have meaningful relationships while constantly pushing for greater physical strength and mental clarity?! We have awesome role models for sure. Happy 2017 to you & family & followers x
Yeah, I probably did defer to Tim just a bit. ;) Mad respect for the guy.
I like Tim’s note on gymnastics strength training. He has some very interesting experiences that I hope can inspire other people for this style of training. I’m a personal trainer specialized in this form of training, and it’s so awesome to see how much clients benefit from this style of training. Mobility, strength, coordination etc. gets taken to a new level if you’re new to this style of training. Thanks for a great podcast, I really enjoyed it!
What was the turmeric/curcumin plus (?) that was mentioned in this podcast? Looking for the supplement. Thanks.
This one: https://greenfieldfitnesssystems.com/product/curc…
I don’t see that that one has bioperine in it though. I searched on Amazon and there are too many options.
If it is in phytosomal form, then you are fine… Use this exact brand: https://greenfieldfitnesssystems.com/product/curc…
I’ve listened a couple of times, but couldn’t quite catch the style of yoga Tim does at his desk. I heard “Pidgeon pose” using the desk/elevated surface, which I understand, but wanted to learn more about the specific yoga poses.
He was talking about partner yoga to re-balance his hips.
Just curious why you asked about Reishi Mushroom before and after bed? Great episode. Thanks!
What is the sixth item in the “gym in a bag” that am I missing: Voodoo Floss, Rumble Roller, Tera’s Goat Whey protein, Nayoya Acupressure Mat, Furniture Sliders…. and what else is #6? Gravity boots/inversion table?
And aside from Pruvit, I did not hear any “stacks” that Tim said he takes. He said he avoids supplements aimed at dementia & Alzheimer’s. And he said he that he is eyeballing on TCDS. Did I miss something else there?
#6…I will reveal in Monday's blog post. ;)
For Tim's techniques he doesn't think he would have discovered without hte podcast, listen at [17:50], although he does not mention stacks much…
Love your podcast Ben. Thanks for what you do. If you are interested in some Gymnastics Training with an Olympian during your next Los Angeles trip, I have created some very effective high intensity interval circuits for every level. Here is an example: https://vimeo.com/160431262
That's pretty cool. I'll be in LA next Jan 7/8/9.
Jan 9th works for me. I think you will really like it. Just shoot me an email to discuss. Again, love your work.
Video is impressive, but do you have anything more suited for a beginner?
Hey Bob, what exactly are you looking for? Thanks
FYI I dont see a way to listen to this at work. There doesnt seem to be anything I can click on to stream it (or even download it, though that’s not as desirable). I only see an iTunes link which I wouldnt want to do. Maybe something that could be improved?
Try a different browser… It might be a restriction they have at your work. It's definitely working on our end.
I missed the name of the whey protein? Great interview as always by the way Ben, thank you
There are a few brands, but I like Mt. Capra: https://greenfieldfitnesssystems.com/product/deep…
Thank you Ben. Having Tim Ferriss on your show has put two of the great minds in one podcast. I have been a follower of both of you for years and adapt many of your ideas.
I think I will go and do a few kettle bell swings with my Tools of the Titans book right now!!!