Impostors Anonymous

On January 23, 2021, Brandon lost his beloved brother, David. This episode features his final words in honor of his brother and a brief update about the short-term future of the project.

Jon-Erik makes his first appearance on IA to explore the nature of identity outside of a human context and what we can learn from a more phenomenological approach to everyday life. This examination leads to the discussion of a range of related topics including: the discrete value of distance running balancing acceptance and ambition the primacy of an intimate relationship with nature lessons learned from a silent retreat how the ego can lead us to water but cannot make us drink the importance of relinquishing perceived control and many more! Learn more about Jon-Erik and his book https://returntopo.com/ (Return to Po). Enjoying IA? Check out our weekly https://my.captivate.fm/impostorsanonymous.substack.com (newsletter) or give us a follow on https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram)!

Brandon kicks off 2022 by reflecting on the foundations of meaningful, sustainable change. Notable mentions: https://mindfulalchemist.org/blog/2020/1/2/a-poem-by-david-whyte (Beginning) by David Whyte Enjoying IA? Check out our weekly https://my.captivate.fm/impostorsanonymous.substack.com (newsletter) or give us a follow on https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram)!

Brandon returns to the AMA format to field a few thought-provoking questions from the IA audience. This leads to an exploration of: the future of free speech what it means to be the "observer" of one's thoughts and feelings facing complete and utter loss the limits of regret unforgivable actions the paradox of death favorite comedians Notable mentions: https://www.samharris.org/podcasts/making-sense-episodes/263-the-paradox-of-death (The Paradox of Death) - Making Sense by Sam Harris https://christinaponline.com/ (Christina Pazsitzky) - Stand-up comedian and podcaster Enjoying IA? Check out our weekly https://my.captivate.fm/impostorsanonymous.substack.com (newsletter) or give us a follow on https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram)!

Emilie makes her first appearance on IA to share her perspective on the beauty of everyday life and how her work struck an unexpected cord during the whirlwind of the past two years. Along the way, a range of related topics are broached including: the unexpected sentimentality and nostalgia of crowded, bustling spaces challenging ourselves to find beauty in "ordinary" scenes and experiences the value and necessity of uncontroversial art how patience and diligence can help overcome imposter syndrome the fundamental mindfulness of an artistic eye finding the midpoint of competence and innovation and many more! Check out some of Emilie's incredible palette knife paintings https://www.emiliefantuz.com/palette-knife-paintings (here). Enjoying IA? Check out our weekly https://my.captivate.fm/impostorsanonymous.substack.com (newsletter) or give us a follow on https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram)!

Rachel makes her second appearance on IA after returning to the US to discuss the challenges and opportunities this new stage of life has presented as well as the implications of an affinity towards what is "natural" in an increasingly technological and synthetic world. This lively chat traverses a diverse range of topics including: the digital divide and virtual vs in-person interaction the implications of the rise of remote therapy are there limits to the degree to which technology can push us forward? the naturalistic fallacy can there be magic and sanctity to human life without religion? what we can learn from biomimicry pros and cons of insatiable curiosity how setting boundaries allows us to safely explore and many more! Notable Mentions: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/partnerships-patterns-and-paradoxical-relationships/ (Partnerships, Patterns, and Paradoxical Relationships) - An episode of Brene Brown's podcast, Unlocking Us Enjoying IA? Check out our weekly https://my.captivate.fm/impostorsanonymous.substack.com (newsletter) or give us a follow on https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram)!

Gina makes her first appearance on IA to chat about how self-doubt, impostor syndrome, and perfectionism prevent us from allowing creativity to be a part of our daily lives. This conversation features a deep dive into all things creativity and it's adjacent limiting beliefs while exploring a range of related topics including: why creativity is not a monolith our obsession with originality in a derivative world why we often frame our weaknesses as excuses not to create why understanding inspiration doesn't have to diminish the value of art protecting the fundamental validity of our own perspectives how much should we care about the interpretation of our work? practical advice for reintroducing creativity to your life and many more! Enjoying IA? Check out our weekly newsletter or give us a follow on https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram)!

Cole makes her first appearance on IA to discuss the need to put kindness back at the center of our lives and how individuals and corporations alike can lead the charge on this front. The discussion centers around what it means to do good during these unprecedented times and broaches a range of related topics including: potential sources of optimism in an increasingly intimidating world how our isolation problem started long before 2020 is conscious capitalism real, if not inevitable? how do we get large corporations to change what they care about why we have to stop seeking permission to make a difference how problems and solutions arise on an individual level letting go of being right and many more! Notable mentions: https://adelanteshoes.com/pages/our-story (Adelante Shoes) - the footwear company committed to sustainable economic development in Latin America More information on https://bcorporation.net/ (B Corps) https://www.patagonia.com/activism/ (Patagonia) - an apparel company focused on sustainable practices and environmental activism https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/ (1% Percent for the Planet) - a global network of businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations tackling our planet's most pressing environmental issues.

Nevin makes another appearance on IA to discuss the impacts of a recent career move, a marathon vs sprint approach to success, and the value of learning from "wins" as much as "losses". Along the way, a range of related topics are discussed including: facing impostor syndrome as an entrepreneur the primacy of setting boundaries as your own boss reevaluating the "all gas no brakes" approach to success the nearly limitless power of perspective how outliers audit success does delusion self-belief predicate unprecedented achievement? and many more! Notable mentions: Peter Attia's The Drive https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/60-annie-duke-decision-strategist-poker-as-model-system/id1400828889?i=1000443314457 (episode) with World Series of Poker champion Annie Duke https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits (Atomic Habits) by James Clear For more from IA or to submit your AMA questions, check us out on https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) or https://www.twitter.com/impostorsanon/ (Twitter) @impostorsanon!

KS joins IA for the first time to discuss how the unprecedented changes of 2020 allowed her to return to her passion after more than a decade-long hiatus. The conversation centers around the unique ways in which everyone has attempted to cope with these bizarre times as well as a range of related topics including: identifying with our successes and failures the weight of success and trying to live up to it the futility of attempting to recapture our past selves our growing empathy problem the false dichotomy of creators vs consumers becoming comfortable with "making" others uncomfortable and many more! Notable mentions: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1r4hJ1h58CWwUQe3MxPuau (Maluma) - Columbian singer and songwriter https://www.amazon.com/Amusing-Ourselves-Death-Discourse-Business/dp/014303653X (Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business) by Neil Postman Check out KS' latest work https://ksrevivo.com/home (here). For more from IA or to submit your AMA questions, check us out on https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) and https://www.twitter.com/impostorsanon/ (Twitter) @impostorsanon!

Carolina makes her first appearance on IA to explore human behavior and belief. The conversation builds towards a deep dive on free will and emotional freedom, as well a range of related topics including: tools for getting out of a rut changing the momentum of our emotions the importance of good faith conversation being study subject number one the discreet fear of success the importance of perceived individual agency the overwhelming power of limiting beliefs can "false" beliefs be valuable? and many more! Notable mentions: Joseph Campbell - professor and author of "https://www.amazon.com/Heros-Journey-Joseph-Campbell-Collected/dp/1608681890 (The Hero's Journey)" https://www.aubreymarcus.com/ (Aubrey Marcus) - experimentalist, podcaster, and founder of Onnit If you've enjoyed the project and would like to keep up with latest for IA or submit your own questions for the next AMA, give us a follow on https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) or https://www.twitter.com/impostorsanon/ (Twitter) @impostorsanon

Brandon and Mitch embark on their long-awaited first conversation after a day of experimentation, meditation, and reflection. As they explore Mitch's unique journey of evolution, a few topics come into focus including: the utility of breathwork as a psychedelic experience the awkward reflection that comes with rapid change accepting imperfection and focusing on simply being how chronic adversity seeds curiosity and open-mindedness coping with survivor's guilt practical advice for taking baby steps towards holistic health and many more! Notable mentions: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Supernatural-Common-People-Uncommon-ebook/dp/B0746RN3G7 (Becoming Supernatural: How Common People Are Doing the Uncommon) by Joe Dispenza For more from IA or to submit your AMA questions, check us out on https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) and https://www.twitter.com/impostorsanon/ (Twitter )@impostorsanon!

Morgan and Brandon check in on the record for the first time to try to find some stability in candid conversation after a rather turbulent stretch of days. The discussion explores the utility of routines, the difficulty of knowing your "true north" in decision-making, the importance of belonging, and the delicate balance of having compassion for others while prioritizing oneself. Notable mentions: https://momastery.com/ (Glennon Doyle) - author of the best-selling book Untamed https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X (Viktor Frankl) - psychiatrist and author of A Man's Search for Meaning For more from IA, check out our new https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) and https://www.twitter.com/impostorsanon/ (Twitter) pages @impostorsanon!

Kevin makes another appearance on IA to chat about the state of our collective connectivity and the barriers we face in route to a more free, fair, and sustainable society. The conversation finds its footing on a few topics including: the recent social media outage and the role these platforms play in our lives the state of free speech, cancel culture, and censorship on social media platforms how technology amplifies the best and worst of humanity the evolution of political polarization and misinformation in the US why climate change might ironically be our only hope Notable mentions: https://breakingpoints.supercast.com/ (Breaking Points) - A Youtube show and podcast pushing back against corporate media https://www.instagram.com/spanglishcoffeecompany/ (Spanglish Coffee Company) - Kevin's new Miami-based espresso venture For more from IA check out our new Instagram and Twitter pages @impostorsanon!

Brandon candidly fields a few questions from the IA community that hone in on his fears, doubts, and dreams. For more from IA or to submit your own questions for the next AMA, check out our new https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) and https://www.twitter.com/impostorsanon/ (Twitter) pages @impostorsanon!

Adam makes his second appearance on IA to assess the state of the current political climate in the US and its notable changes, or lack thereof, over the course of the past year. As Brandon and Adam try to hone in on the most formidable problems faced by those with hopes of a more cooperative and healthy political landscape, a few topics come into focus including: misinformation and mistrust of our institutions prevalence of racism vs classicism equality of outcome vs equality of opportunity the effects of disproportionate political engagement across income levels what is the relationship between raising the floor and lowering the ceiling? For more from IA check out our new https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) and https://www.twitter.com/impostorsanon/ (Twitter) pages @impostorsanon!

A month after his successful awake brain surgery, Josh rejoins IA to kick off Season 2. The discussion centers around Josh's unique relationship with fear, how the past few months have impacted his identity, the importance of meeting others where they are, and where Josh is hoping to steer his reality now that he's tumor-free. Notable Mentions: https://www.amazon.com/How-Do-Work-Recognize-Patterns/dp/006301209X (How to Do the Work) by Dr. Nicole LePera https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Nobody-Ram-Dass-audiobook/dp/B07WGQGJR7 (Becoming Nobody) by Ram Dass https://www.netflix.com/title/81004466 (The Surgeon's Cut) (Episode 2) - the docuseries about Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon Dr. Q who performed Josh's surgery For more from IA, check out our new https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) andhttps://www.twitter.com/impostorsanon/ ( Twitter) pages @impostorsanon!

Danielle joins IA to reflect on how some recent adversity has shed light on her ever-evolving identity and what it means to "own your shit". Various related topics are explored including: - balancing the masculine and feminine - getting in touch with our inner fluidity - remembering why you're not responsible for others' narratives - why personal ownership requires self-compassion - honoring things that don't serve you anymore - the importance of inner curiosity - reconnecting with the primacy of movement - prioritizing functionality over aesthetics - how accomplishment often counter-intuitively feeds impostor syndrome and many more! Notable mentions: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits (Atomic Habits) by James Clear https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/own-your-shit-with-danielle-gertner/id1551938289 (Own Your Shit )- Danielle's new unfiltered and insightful podcast

Brandon embarks on another solo episode to reflect on what can be learned from the quintessential "starving artist", Vincent Van Gogh, as well as what lessons have typified another year of life in the books. Various other topics are explored including what it means to mature, being selective about those you spend the most time with, radical empathy, and many more.

Zez joins IA to discuss the state of comedy and creativity in an increasingly complicated world. In a more light-hearted conversation, a range of topics come to the forefront including: - the importance of comedic context - can something be both funny and offensive? - the problem with preference falsification - the ever-changing rules of engagement in comedy - how the "counter-culture" has shifted politically - dealing with subjectivity and judgment as a creator - will time make bigots out of all of us? - reflections on the blurring racial lines - how "cancel culture" and freedom of speech continue to evolve and many more! Notable mentions: A German https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/627901/german-museum-deglorifies-racist-oppresive-monuments (museum) that deglorifies racist/oppressive statues For more from Zez, check out his great new podcast, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaYYkGvPSmpn1bO7L-fNdVw (What's on Your Feed?)

Brandon embarks on a third solo episode to reflect on the passing of U.S. Independence Day and explore the role of bittersweet moments in our daily lives. These reflections lead to various lines of inquiry including: - reevaluating pride of all forms - what the US represents at this point in it's history - why immigrants have a different relationship to their country - why we reliably choose sweet despite the inevitability bitter - what to do in the face of the infinite abyss of "sweetness" - is reframing actually useful in the long term? - does Zen Buddhism offer a true alternative? and many more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the primary extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter! There you'll find supplemental content and can even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the AI community! For more from IA check out our new pages on https://instagram/impostorsanon (Instagram) and https://twitter.com/impostorsanon (Twitter )@impostorsanon!

Alejandro joins the show to discuss some potentially troubling trends in the US political climate and what can be learned from a comparative look at other nations. This conversation is centered around political polarization, the unchecked expansion of politics into our daily lives, and changing attitudes towards wealth creation and socialism. Discussion of these trends leads to an inspection of a range of related topics including: - the growing barriers to being "moderate" - what has bred turmoil and instability in Venezuela - the signs of an unhealthy and divisive political environment - why socialism tends to inspire the youth - growing extremism and political intolerance in Spain - avoiding the idealization of European social programs and healthcare - what makes the "Scandinavian model" work - projecting the future of US politics, Biden-era and beyond and many more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the primary extension of Impostors Anonymous at https://my.captivate.fm/impostorsanonymous.substack.com (impostorsanonymous.substack.com) and subscribe to our weekly newsletter! There you'll find supplemental content and can even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. For more from IA, check on our new https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instragram) and https://twitter.com/impostorsanon (Twitter )pages @impostorsanon!

Shawn joins IA to share some insights from the tipping point he reached in 2020 after years of overcompensating, self-doubt, and burning the candle at both ends. This leads to a deep dive on biohacking, reframing, and the pitfalls of chasing material success, as well as a discussion of various related topics including: - why the external is never enough - the correlation between entrepreneurship and loneliness - how plant medicine enables reframing - the dangers of binary thinking - the pseudoscience of scientific fact/proof - optimizing health without pathology and obsession - why envy is fundamentally misguided - the primacy of giving yourself grace - the most useful bio-hacks you probably don't know about and many more! Notable mentions: Independent analysis on supplements and nutrition - examine.com Health & wellness resources (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/thomasdelauer/?hl=en (@thomasdelauer) https://www.instagram.com/bpakfitness/?hl=en (@bpakfitness) https://www.instagram.com/bengreenfieldfitness/?hl=en (@bengreenfieldfitness) https://www.instagram.com/biocurious_kayla/?hl=en (@biocurious_kayla ) https://www.instagram.com/melanieavalon/?hl=en (@melanieavalon) https://www.instagram.com/theketologist/?hl=en (@theketologist) https://www.amazon.com/Berberine-Ceylon-Cinnamon-Dihydroberberine-GlucoVantage/dp/B08J2R3LTQ (Dihydroberberine supplement) More info on https://www.everydayhealth.com/sleep/mouth-taping-cheapest-life-hack-better-sleep/ (sleep tape) A brief intro to https://neurohacker.com/3-of-the-easiest-ways-to-get-started-with-cold-therapy (cold therapy)

Mariana joins AI to discuss the unhappy marriage of impostors syndrome and creative work. Her insights about the universal struggle of self-doubt and being helplessly tied to the judgment of others leads to a conversation surrounding various topics including: - importance of leaving space for randomness in life - beautiful vs interesting - why niches still matter - the imbalance of empathy between the US and the rest of the world - filtering through the noise of modern technology - choosing comedy over tragedy and many more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the primary extension of Impostors Anonymous at https://my.captivate.fm/impostorsanonymous.substack.com (impostorsanonymous.substack.com) and subscribe to our weekly newsletter! There you'll find supplemental content and can even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. For more from IA, check on our new https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) and https://twitter.com/impostorsanon (Twitter )pages @impostorsanon!

Jesse joins the show to share his distinctive journey through success, insecurity, and transformation. Along the way, the power of plant medicine and service come into focus, as well as a range of other topics including: - why there's never been a better time to be alive - why the most profound lessons are often simple - keeping the ego in its place - overcoming the weight childhood trauma - fear of abandonment and rejection - impostor syndrome and overcompensating with hyperactivity - avoiding survivor's guilt - what to consider before exploring plant medicine and many more! If you're interested in finding a plant medicine retreat or just learning more about the topic in general, reach out to Jesse at jesse@action-oriented.com. If you've found this project valuable, check out the primary extension of Impostors Anonymous at https://my.captivate.fm/impostorsanonymous.substack.com (impostorsanonymous.substack.com) and subscribe to our weekly newsletter! There you'll find supplemental content and can even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. For more from IA, check on our new https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) and https://twitter.com/impostorsanon (Twitter )pages @impostorsanon!

Brandon revisits the solo format to examine the most common sources of meaning and purpose in life, as well as what might exist beyond these elements. For better or worse, it seems as though a sense of purpose is a necessary ingredient for a fulfilling life. That said, many who live less traditional lives are finding deep meaning more and more elusive. This episode attempts to traverse the landscape of purpose and offer a brief glimpse of what a new perspective might bring to it. *We had some technical issues with the original audio upload for this episode, so we've updated the episode and resolved the problems. Thanks for your patience! If you've found this project valuable, check out the primary extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter! There you'll find supplemental content and can even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. For more from IA, check on our new https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instragram) and https://twitter.com/impostorsanon (Twitter )pages @impostorsanon!

Rachel joins IA to share a unique illustration of how fluid identity can be. The conversation finds its footing on how language, culture, politics, and even geography, mold our perspectives and how we relate to ourselves and others alike. Along the way, a range of topics come to the surface including: - reflections on spending the pandemic abroad - cultural and political differences between Spain and the US - striking a balance between progress and simplicity - the primacy of recognizing trade-offs and relationships in all aspects of life - the importance of zooming out and leaving space for levity - how a comparative look at language reveals how easily things are lost in translation - why some illusions can have value and many more! Notable Mentions: Mark Manson's https://markmanson.net/books/subtle-art (website), author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck A poem by Rainer Rilke - https://onbeing.org/poetry/go-to-the-limits-of-your-longing/ (Go to the Limits of Your Longing) A brief explanation of the Charlie Chaplan https://philosiblog.com/2012/04/16/life-is-a-tragedy-when-seen-in-close-up-but-a-comedy-in-long-shot/ (quote) about tragedy and comedy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33586715-timequake (Timequake) by Kurt Vonnegut The official https://jackkerouac.com/ (website) of author Jack Kerouac An https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/27/alan-watts-taboo/ (intro) to Alan Watts, speaker and writer well-known for popularizing Eastern philosophy in the West. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBDA2E52FB1EF80C9 (Crash Course - World History) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061512/ (Cool Hand Luke), starring Paul Newman

Anna joins the show to share a distinctive perspective on a concept that deeply impacts all of our lives: time. This conversation steps off the beaten path to explore the insights gained from a life defined by free expression, deep curiosity, near-death experience, and an undeniable calling. Along the way, various topics are traversed including: - how time and its scarcity force us to establish priorities - why we "waste" time - the limits of normalcy - finding freedom through overcoming judgment - the relativity of the length of life - near-death experiences and the role a fear of death plays in our lives - embracing the lows of life - balancing the past, present, and future - the various benefits of "cold therapy" and much more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. For more from IA, check out our new https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) and https://twitter.com/ImpostorsAnon (Twitter) pages at @impostorsanon!

Marie joins IA to share her reflections on spending the past year on the literal frontlines of the fight against the pandemic. This episode offers a raw glimpse of a rarely shared perspective we all could use more exposure to and spans a range of topics including: - why some run towards the chaos and tragedy of life - living to work vs working to live - what makes nursing ultimately worth the challenges - coping with constant exposure to pain, suffering, and death - the ethics of euthanasia and dying with dignity - how adversity and resilience give birth to self-knowledge and authenticity - moving past the guilt of childhood - the trouble with finding space to be vulnerable in our attention-starved, socially distanced world and much more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. For more from IA, check out our new pages on https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) and https://twitter.com/ImpostorsAnon (Twitter) @impostorsanon!

Brandon takes a stab at his first solo episode to reflect on the concept at the root of Impostors Anonymous, as well as to share a few experiences that have helped him maintain a passion for life despite some recent adversity. This prompts an exploration of the suffering that is fundamental to existence and the primacy of reminding oneself of what is truly meaningful and inspiring in life in order to maintain balance. If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. For more from AI or reach out directly, check us out on our new https://twitter.com/ImpostorsAnon (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) pages @impostorsanon!

Lisa joins IA to share her reflections on a rather uncommon journey given the nature of the past year: sobriety. This conversation centers around the advantages and challenges of getting sober during a global pandemic as well as how changes to one's habits can usher in a reevaluation of one's relationships, hobbies, and even purpose, through a new lens. Along the way, Brandon and Lisa touch on a range of topics including: - trends in alcohol use and dependency during the past year - why sobriety has become so socially unacceptable - how ingrained habits create the foundation for identity - the emerging prevalence of "low and no" alcohol beverages - why even huge changes are not silver bullets - anxiety surrounding a return to social normalcy - the importance of gratitude and much more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous athttps://my.captivate.fm/impostorsanonymous.substack.com ( impostorsanonymous.substack.com) where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. For more from IA, check out our new pages onhttps://twitter.com/ImpostorsAnon ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ ( Instagram) @impostorsanon!

Mark joins the show to provide his perspective on how introversion, social isolation, and the illusion of self contribute to one of the most consequential mental health issues of our time: social anxiety. As Mark and Brandon explore the confluence of the internal and social self, they discuss a range of topics including: - the implications of social distancing for introverts and the socially anxious - overcoming depression, obesity, and suicidal thoughts - meditation vs the monkey brain - the often overlooked prevalence and severity of social anxiety - why we tend to conceal our inner most selves - our inclination towards simplistic narrative arcs - questioning and breaking through the illusion of self - the success "trap" - how your origin story makes you a superhero and many more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous athttps://my.captivate.fm/impostorsanonymous.substack.com ( impostorsanonymous.substack.com) where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. For more from IA, check out our new pages onhttps://twitter.com/ImpostorsAnon ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ ( Instagram) @impostorsanon ! Noteworthy Mentions: The best-selling author that Mark has interviewed - https://powerseductionandwar.com/ (Robert Green) Mark's book - https://www.amazon.com/Screw-Being-Shy-Anxiety-Yourself/dp/B085KQ2KMG (Screw Being Shy - Learn How to Manage Social Anxiety and Be Yourself in Front of Anyone) The theory developed by psychologist Charles Cooley - https://lesley.edu/article/perception-is-reality-the-looking-glass-self (The Looking Glass Self) https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Jest-David-Foster-Wallace/dp/0316066524 (Infinite Jest) by David Foster Wallace The article Mark mentions - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-success-itself-ultimate-trap-mark-metry?trk=related_artice_Why%20Success%20Itself%20Is%20the%20Ultimate%20Trap_article-card_title (Why Success Itself is the Ultimate Trap)

Jeanine joins IA to help put the miseducation of our youth and roots of racial inequality in focus. This conversation attempts to traverse a range of delicate topics with the degree of nuance they deserve including: - the relationship between racial inequality and democratization of early education - the struggle of keeping top talent in early education - the strange politicization of charter schools and "school choice" - the limits of rigid partisanship - the importance of maintaining the proper incentives for achievement and innovation - avoiding racial essentialism in search of true anti-racism - keeping truly open discussion at the forefront of education - reevaluating "defunding the police" and how to mitigate the unnecessary loss of black lives - overcoming the stigma of ivy league prestige - the primacy of instilling self-esteem and a growth mindset in the youth and many others! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. For more from IA, check out our new pages on https://twitter.com/ImpostorsAnon (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/impostorsanon/ (Instagram) @impostorsanon !

Jenna joins the show to discuss her unique health journey and why, now more than ever, we need traditional and alternative medicine to drop the game of tug-of-war and start solving problems together. En route, a range of topics are traversed including: - avoiding guilt in times of good fortune - the difficulty of figuring out what makes us happy - common frustrations with the traditional healthcare landscape - making sense of the trends in human suffering, despite technological advancement - keeping people alive vs healthy - the complications of democratizing healthcare - how to improve access to alternative health and much more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community.

Cornelius joins the show to discuss his mantra, "YOU MATTER", and the implications of a radical message of self-worth and unconditional love in a divided world. This line of inquiry leads to an exploration of various related topics including: - the controversy of valuing without qualifiers - freedom of speech as an extension of the sovereignty of the individual - celebrating at every opportunity - unpacking male stigmas - the primacy of leaps of faith - the value of religion to the non-religious - the tight rope walk between community and segregation - the double-edged sword of social media and much more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community.

Josh and Kevin return to IA to riff about the value of exploring the unknown, from the labyrinth of our own minds to the equally mysterious and ever-expanding universe. This three-way conversation traverses a diverse set of topics including: - political implications of the disaster in Texas - reflections on the Perseverance landing - what it really means to "take care" of oneself - overcoming guilt and loss - escaping the rat race of chasing external fulfillment - being at fault vs being at cause - facing mortality - psychedelics: Swiss army knife or double-edged sword? - how expectations prevent insight - the importance of integration - safe use of plant medicine - the interplanetary potential of humanity any many more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. Notable mentions: The Logic song featuring Allan Watts - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh8-OOsGOgw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh8-OOsGOgw ) Jim Carrey's most recent work "Memoirs and Misinformation: A novel" - https://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-Misinformation-Jim-Carrey/dp/0525655972 (https://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-Misinformation-Jim-Carrey/dp/0525655972) Mike Michalowicz's website, author of "Profit First" - https://mikemichalowicz.com/profit-first/ (https://mikemichalowicz.com/profit-first/) A little more information about neuro-linguistic programming - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/neuro-linguistic-programming-therapy (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/neuro-linguistic-programming-therapy) Rick Strassman's website expounding upon his book "DMT: The Spirit Molecule" - https://www.rickstrassman.com/ (https://www.rickstrassman.com/)

Alexander joins the show to chat about the hypocrisy and overall madness that has characterized the financial realm in the past year. Some convergent trends in wealth and data come to the forefront, driving the conversation in various directions including: - why the stock market and the economy are so uncoupled - the problem with hedge funds - the chaos with GME and Robinhood - how to address wealth inequality - reevaluating social security - assessing the need for a ceiling - bad incentive structures in education - the need for a democratization of data - the imbalance of assessing success vs failure - why valedictorians are almost never billionaires any many others! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community.

Kevin joins the project to explore the sovereignty of the individual amidst a world driven by compartmentalization and how our perpetual fallibility might be the key to finding common truth. En route, a range of topics are broached including: - differences in international racial perceptions - moving beyond race, tribalism, and nationalism - our deep need for storytelling - the duality of ego - the primacy of mindfulness - finding truth in compromise - conquering your comfort zone - the limitations of censorship - how we ought to handle "hate speech" and various others! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. Mentions of note: A bias checker that highlights how both sides of the political spectrum are covering certain issues - https://ground.news/ (https://ground.news/) Ray Dalio's "Principles for Success" mini-series -https://www.principles.com/principles-for-success/#play (https://www.principles.com/principles-for-success/#play) Eddie Huang's show on Vice - https://www.vicetv.com/en_us/show/huangs-world (https://www.vicetv.com/en_us/show/huangs-world) Anthony Bourdain's most prominent project, the travel/food TV series "Part's Unknown" - https://explorepartsunknown.com/ (https://explorepartsunknown.com/)

One thing is certain; Jackie is no "yes man". She joins the show to offer her perspective on the value of radical honesty and, of course, knowing when to say no. Along the way, she helps Brandon reflect on our ongoing crisis of empathy and what might guide us towards a more mindful and unified future. Other covered topics include: - variance in morning routines - how mission statements simplify life - empathy amidst political polarization - maintaining a healthy relationship with anger and other "negative" emotions - rethinking karma - the foundations of self-esteem - building a secular ethical framework - what we find most valuable in ourselves - the duality of introspection - the trouble with greatness - our obsession with chaos and self-destruction - the importance of early financial literacy and much more! Mentioned in this episode: The Most You Good You Can Do by Peter Singer Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community.

Nevin joins the show to help explore what individuals ought to be held responsible for and how we might be freed from some of our most common enclosures. Along the way, they touch on a range of related topics including: - intentions vs outcomes - reevaluating nature vs nurture - the historical disenfranchisement of Indigenous Americans - systemic vs institutional racism - limits of the adversarial nature of law - the incarcerated population vs lawyers - stop-and-frisk - the value of enlightenment ideals and much more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. A brief profile of Thomas Sowell, the economist and social theorist mentioned - https://www.hoover.org/profiles/thomas-sowell (https://www.hoover.org/profiles/thomas-sowell) The international nonprofit distributing enlightenment literature in authoritarian states - https://www.ideasbeyondborders.org/ (https://www.ideasbeyondborders.org/) Republic: "The Allegory of the Cave" by Plato

Chloe and Brandon take aim at some of the common misconceptions and cultural norms that give the creative realm an ironically, and maybe unnecessarily, tragic edge. Along the way, they share their perspectives on range of topics including: - the significance of being an only child and playing alone - the relationship between imagination and creativity - the prevalence of impostor syndrome in creative spaces - the case for universal basic income - what anonymity would do for the artistic landscape - the dangers of a refined critical eye - the deep need for more collectivism in art, culture, and politics - "bad" art - comedy vs tragedy - the evolving role of comedy in society - the limitations of cancel culture and much more! If you've found this project valuable, check out the new extension of Impostors Anonymous at impostorsanonymous.substack.com where you can find additional content and even submit your own work to be shared, anonymously of course, with the IA community. Notable mentions: Mark David Chapman - the man who actually murdered John Lennon John Baldessari - one of Chloe's favorite artists Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Do the Right Thing - directed, written, and produced by Spike Lee The title of this episode, "Green is Not a Creative Color", references the surrealist comedy/horror web series, "Don't Hug Me I'm Scared", that features a mind-bending episode about creativity.

Chris brings a particularly unique perspective to the show by speaking to his peculiar odyssey back to "normalcy" and civilian life at the end of one of the strangest years in recent history. Brandon and Chris take a tour of some unorthodox topics including: - irregular learning styles - the insights of Eastern philosophy and Buddhism - wisdom vs knowledge - balancing progress and well-being - taking the "long route" in life - the effects military service on fear, ego, and personal identity - reevaluating "homelessness" - the beauty of the "street dog" - the importance of levity - the absurdities of Special Forces training - the power of acceptance - the limitations of regret - why hope deeply matters and various others! If you have any interest in getting involved in Impostors Anonymous or being a guest on the show, feel free to reach out at impostorsanonymous@gmail.com. Books mentioned in this episode: The Iliad/The Odyssey by Homer Dao De Jing by Lao Tzu Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace

Adam joins Brandon to explore the struggle of trying to guide a moral life in a world rife with distractions, bad incentives, and misinformation. Along the way, they traverse a range of topics including: - selective outrage and our limited bandwidth - what feels best vs. what does the most good - lessons from the Effective Altruism movement - the moralization of what is "natural" - contextualizing natural selection in a modern world - the limitations of our political system - reigniting civic engagement - the difficulty of accomplishing anything and much more! If anyone would like to get in touch with or involved in Impostors Anonymous, feel free to reach out to impostorsanonymous@gmail.com. Home of the Effective Altruism movement mentioned throughout this episode - https://www.effectivealtruism.org/ (https://www.effectivealtruism.org/) A comprehensive resource for finding the most effective charities - https://www.givewell.org/ (https://www.givewell.org/) The book mentioned by Adam - Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert Putnam If anyone would like to get in touch with or involved in Impostors Anonymous, feel free to reach out to impostorsanonymous@gmail.com.

Brandon and his second guest investigate the limitations of empathy by considering perspectives of all kinds. Nothing is off-limits, as they imagine what it's like to be clams, otters, and other members of the animal kingdom, while addressing the difficulty of attempting to understand our fellow humans and even our closest confidantes. Their conversation ultimately spans: - the fluid nature of identity - reevaluating privilege - introversion vs extroversion - the difficulty of navigating the mental health landscape - the potential of psychedelics and various other ramblings! How bees actually make honey - https://honeybee.org.au/education/wonderful-world-of-honey/how-bees-make-honey/ (https://honeybee.org.au/education/wonderful-world-of-honey/how-bees-make-honey/) A helpful resource for anyone interested in finding therapist near them - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists) An example of style of "dot painting" mentioned - https://kellytheresa.com/2019/08/15/dot-painting-101-6-pro-tips-for-beginners/ (https://kellytheresa.com/2019/08/15/dot-painting-101-6-pro-tips-for-beginners/) For anyone seeking more information about eating disorders and/or how to get help for themselves or a loved one - https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline) If anyone would like to get in touch with or involved in Impostors Anonymous, feel free to reach out to impostorsanonymous@gmail.com.

Josh helps kick off Impostors Anonymous with a conversation about contextualizing a year like 2020, how habits impact personal identity, the complex relationship between mindfulness and motivation, reevaluating "selfishness", and much more. Books mentioned in the episode include: 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Love, Happiness, and Wisdom by Rick Hanson Seven Laws of Spirirual Success by Deepak Chopra Atomic Habits by James Clear Grain Brain by David Perlmutter and Kristin Loberg Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Joe Dispenza To hear more from Josh, check out The Grey Matters Podcast via the podcast player of your choice. If you have any interest in getting involved in Impostors Anonymous or being a guest on the show, feel free to reach out at impostorsanonymous@gmail.com.

Welcome Impostors, Give this brief episode a listen before you take the dive on any other episodes of the podcast. This primer will give you a sense of what this project is truly about and what you can expect in the future.