Podcast appearances and mentions of Derek Sivers

Three Years in Mexico: Personal Growth, Cultural Insights, and PracticalitiesIn this episode of the With Ross Podcast, the host reflects on his three-year journey of living in Mexico. He discusses his motivations for moving, the personal growth experienced, and how stepping out of his comfort zone has been an adventure. He draws inspiration from a conversation with Derek Sivers about the importance of challenging oneself. The episode also covers cultural insights, cost of living comparisons, safety concerns, and the benefits of participating in local community activities. Additionally, he shares his progress with learning Spanish and his overall satisfaction with life in Mexico.00:00 Introduction and Three-Year Milestone00:42 Why Mexico? Seeking Adventure and Growth01:11 Insights from Derek Sivers on Living Abroad03:16 Understanding Culture: American vs. Mexican05:16 Cost of Living in Mexico vs. the US06:58 Addressing Safety Concerns in Mexico07:59 Embracing Fitness and Wellness in Mexico City08:57 Learning Spanish: Challenges and Breakthroughs10:23 Overcoming Challenges and Loving Life in Mexico11:45 Conclusion and Looking Forward to Year Four

Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire one person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world has the hustle and grit to deliver. My Guest: Derek Sivers is the founder of CD Baby and author of "Hell Yeah or No" and "Useful Not True." He shared how he graduated from Cal Berkeley in two years instead of four because the "standard pace for chumps" - a lesson that shaped his entire career of institutional skepticism and unconventional thinking. From creating viral shipping emails to understanding why explorers make bad leaders, Derek shares why being busy means being out of control, how your first thought is an obstacle to your best work, and why you can't predict what the world will want from you until you try everything and listen closely to what it's telling you. Notes: No Speed Limit – Most things are paced so the slowest person can keep up. If you're driven and motivated, you can go so much faster than the standard pace. I graduated from Berkeley in two years by learning four semesters of harmony in one hour. "The standard pace is for chumps. You can do so much better than that." Question the Standard Process – When someone says you must go through usual channels or something will take a certain time, assume there's probably a hack. Develop institutional skepticism - there's usually a better way than how most people do it. Create Opportunities, Don't Wait for Them – You don't have to wait until a company is hiring. If you can see how to benefit them, walk in and show them what you can do for free first. Alan Tepper made Warner Brothers more money than anyone that year by just showing up with a plan. Make Everything Valuable to Others – The starving artist spends all their time on work valuable to them but not to others. Use money as a neutral measure - if you can make money with your art, it ensures what you're doing is valuable to other people. "It's almost impossible to predict what the world will want from you... Keep yourself out there and listen closely to what the world is telling you it wants from you." Stand Out by Being Different – Don't imitate what everyone else is doing. I wrote a silly shipping email in 10 minutes that became one of the most viral emails ever mentioned in business books. Ask yourself constantly: What has nobody done before? The First Follower Creates the Movement – We focus on the shirtless dancing guy, but the first follower is what made everything happen. Until then, people kept their distance from the freak. If you find someone doing something great, follow them and show others how to follow. Every Sentence Must Matter – My books are 90-100 pages, but start as 1,000-page rough drafts. I spend 1-2 years full-time chopping every sentence that doesn't absolutely need to be there. "I'm not gonna put a single sentence out into the world that doesn't need to be there." Make every word count - eliminate everything that doesn't add value. Hell Yeah or No is Context-Dependent – This tool is for when you're overwhelmed with options and need to raise the bar. Straight out of college, say yes to everything because opportunities are like lottery tickets. Once something rewards you, then say no to other things and double down. Busy Means Out of Control – "Busy to me implies out of control. You're busy if you've let other people shove shit into your schedule." Leave space instead of filling it - that time to think is what creates valuable insights others don't have time to develop. Your First Thought is an Obstacle – Don't honor the thought that came first. In brainstorming, acknowledge the first idea, then keep going - don't stop at two or three. Even silly ideas can seed great ones you'd never reach without that stepping stone. All Beliefs Are a Myth – People worshiped Zeus for centuries; now we call it mythology. But we say our own beliefs are true while others' are superstitions. I expected China to be awful from American news, but found it wonderful - question what you've been told. Use Prejudice as Your Compass – If you notice you're prejudiced against something, that's exactly what you should explore. Burning Man sounds awful to me; therefore, I should probably go. Steer into your biases to overcome them and gain new perspectives. Explorers Make Terrible Leaders – Explorers try everything and change direction constantly, which frustrates teams. Leaders go in a straight line to a clear destination, unwavering in mission even if the path changes. I loved changing my mind, which made me a bad leader until I learned the difference. Set projects with clear missions, even if you're personally exploring other things. Try Everything Until the World Says Yes – I had a booking agency, a record label, a recording studio, and my own music - all failures. Then, a side project to help friends (CD Baby) took off. You can't predict what the world wants from you, so try many things and listen closely to what it's telling you. Reflection  What "standard pace" are you accepting in your business or career that you could actually accelerate if you questioned it? Where have you assumed something has to take a certain amount of time just because that's how it's always been done? Are you spending time on work that's valuable to you but not to others? How could you test whether what you're creating actually solves problems people are willing to pay for? Are you acting more like an explorer or a leader right now? If you're constantly changing direction, how could you set clearer missions for your projects while keeping your personal explorations separate? Resources & References Derek's Content: Derek's website and blog  "Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy" (First Follower) TED Talk - Derek Sivers  "No Speed Limit" essay  Former Episodes Referenced #647 - Tim Ferriss - Chasing Your Curiosity #562 - Nikki Glaser -  The Creative Process of a Comedian  #644 - Blaine Anderson - Confidence, Curiosity, Connection  Episode Timestamps 02:20 Early Life Lessons from Kimo Williams 05:21 Corporate Lessons and Unconventional Paths 09:10 The Power of Adding Value 13:57 Viral TED Talk: Leadership Lessons from the Dancing Guy 22:03 The 'Hell Yeah or No' Philosophy 27:29 The CD Baby Experience 28:02 Starting an Online Record Store 29:10 Creating a Unique Shipping Notice 30:01 The Viral Impact of Creativity 32:53 The Importance of Regular Writing 35:17 Questioning Assumptions and Beliefs 36:23 Exploring New Perspectives 40:41 The Explorer vs. The Leader 48:21 Advice for Aspiring Leaders Resources: Read: The Score That Matters Read: The Pursuit of Excellence Read: Welcome to Management To Follow me on X: @RyanHawk12

In this truly unique and insightful episode of The Icons, host Tyler Waye sits down with Derek Sivers, the legendary founder of CD Baby and a modern philosopher on simplicity, focus, and "hell yes" decisions.Derek Sivers built CD Baby from a small side project into the largest seller of independent music online, eventually selling it for $22 million and giving the proceeds to a charitable trust for musicians. But his story isn't about the money; it's about the mindset.In this deep-dive conversation, Derek shares his counter-intuitive rules for life, business, and creativity. We explore his famous philosophy of "If it's not a 'Hell Yeah!' it's a 'No'," the power of radical simplification, and why sometimes, the best decision is to walk away from a potential billion-dollar opportunity to protect your time and peace of mind.Interview Guest: Derek Sivershttps://sive.rs/https://www.youtube.com/user/dereksivershttps://x.com/siversFor Derek's books: https://sivers.com/Location: Tyler: Motiversity OfficeDerek Sivers: Home StudioFollow Tylerhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3tWHKc-RcOeVlGyZQxtppQhttps://www.instagram.com/TylerWaye/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerwaye/http://tylerwaye.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fun thing about time management is that you get to *choose* the philosophy and approach that works for you, but a lot of productivity advice is presented as "right vs wrong". In this video, I share a buffet of 20 time management tips for you to choose from - that completely contradict each other (because that is the nature of productivity advice). This video was inspired by the wonderful Derek Sivers, who wrote the book: How To Live: 27 Conflicting Answers and One Weird Question.VIDEOS YOU MIGHT LIKE ⇢✨ How to Change Your Life in Six Months: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEQbSb_2rQU&list=PLW3yd6NHmEVp_dlOxoROdW4WB0_eiFRAT&index=1&ab_channel=muchelleb✨If you're wasting all of your time, you need to watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPGnRzcD1Eo&list=PLW3yd6NHmEVrxrOSvViA1PcZVh3hhD6cs&index=9✨18 Small Changes to Make for a Happier Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c8cN3lH0zY&list=PLW3yd6NHmEVrRqdEg2mFrp9r7CEq6LqRF&index=1VIDEO TIMELINE ⇢00:00 Intro0:39 20 Time Management TipsRESOURCES ⇢

What if every single person in your organization—no matter their title—stepped into a starring leadership role? In this episode of Build a Vibrant Culture, Nicole Greer welcomes Lasada “LP” Pippen, a powerhouse keynote speaker and the author of It's Just Not Common Sense. Once a computer engineer, LP now inspires audiences with The Climb, his signature keynote that equips leaders and teams with the mindset to rise higher, personally and professionally.Nicole and LP unpack six powerful principles—Trust, Preference, Perspective, Problem, Moment, and Contentment—that transform the way we lead and the cultures we build. Along the way, they dive into how to replace fear with psychological safety, why principles outlast policies, and how to embrace curiosity, change, and trust at every level of an organization.If you're ready to see problems as opportunities, reset your perspective, and build a culture rooted in trust, this conversation is your roadmap to climbing higher and creating a vibrant workplace.Vibrant Highlights:[00:02:30] What “leadership at every level” really means[00:11:15] Trust as the foundation of culture (and why it matters more than love)[00:20:05] The Preference Principle: freedom to work your way[00:40:10] The Moment Principle: why “now” is the best timeframe[00:44:37] Nicole and LP's final recap of the six principles for building a vibrant cultureConnect with LP:Website: https://www.lasadapippen.com/homeBook: https://www.lasadapippen.com/book-storeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lasada-pippen-keynote/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LasadaPippenX: https://www.x.com/lasadapippenAlso mentioned in this episode:Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine: https://a.co/d/65htxO2Paralympian David Brown: https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/david-brownTedTalk "How to Start a Movement" by Derek Sivers: https://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement?utm_campaign…Listen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts!Learn more about Nicole Greer, The Vibrant Coach, at vibrantculture.com.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3756: Derek Sivers challenges the obsession with staying busy by showing how being “unmotivated” can actually point to what truly matters. He also explains how seemingly contradictory traits can coexist within us, proving that life is richer when we embrace nuance instead of choosing rigid labels. His reflections invite us to slow down, listen to our inner signals, and accept our complexity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sivers.org/unmo⁠ AND https://sivers.org/dc Quotes to ponder: "When you feel unmotivated, don't try to push through. Instead, take it as a sign that what you're doing doesn't matter enough." "People want to put you in a box, but you contain contradictions. You can be both ambitious and content, both introverted and outgoing." "Life is richer when you don't try to resolve contradictions, but instead hold them side by side." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3756: Derek Sivers challenges the obsession with staying busy by showing how being “unmotivated” can actually point to what truly matters. He also explains how seemingly contradictory traits can coexist within us, proving that life is richer when we embrace nuance instead of choosing rigid labels. His reflections invite us to slow down, listen to our inner signals, and accept our complexity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sivers.org/unmo⁠ AND https://sivers.org/dc Quotes to ponder: "When you feel unmotivated, don't try to push through. Instead, take it as a sign that what you're doing doesn't matter enough." "People want to put you in a box, but you contain contradictions. You can be both ambitious and content, both introverted and outgoing." "Life is richer when you don't try to resolve contradictions, but instead hold them side by side." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3756: Derek Sivers challenges the obsession with staying busy by showing how being “unmotivated” can actually point to what truly matters. He also explains how seemingly contradictory traits can coexist within us, proving that life is richer when we embrace nuance instead of choosing rigid labels. His reflections invite us to slow down, listen to our inner signals, and accept our complexity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sivers.org/unmo⁠ AND https://sivers.org/dc Quotes to ponder: "When you feel unmotivated, don't try to push through. Instead, take it as a sign that what you're doing doesn't matter enough." "People want to put you in a box, but you contain contradictions. You can be both ambitious and content, both introverted and outgoing." "Life is richer when you don't try to resolve contradictions, but instead hold them side by side." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Senra is the host of the Founders podcast. For the past nine years, David has intensely studied the life and work of hundreds of history's greatest entrepreneurs. His new podcast, David Senra, showcases conversations with the best-of-the-best living founders and extreme winners.This episode is brought to you by:Cresset family office services for CEOs, founders, and entrepreneursOur Place's Titanium Always Pan® Pro using nonstick technology that's coating-free and made without PFAS, otherwise known as “Forever Chemicals”AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplementTimestamps:[00:00:00] Who is David Senra?[00:01:11] Brad Jacobs: Roll-up king and positive-driven billionaire founder.[00:02:26] Rare positive archetypes: Ed Thorp, Sol Price, Brunello Cucinelli.[00:06:04] Michael Dell as another exception; fear of failure and motivation.[00:06:47] Negative self-talk, excellence, and its ripple effects.[00:08:26] Jensen Huang story: “Why do you suck so much?”[00:08:54] Inspiration from Dan Carlin's Hardcore History.[00:10:00] Derek Sivers: unconventional, philosophical entrepreneur.[00:11:04] Learning equals behavior change, not memorization.[00:11:48] Jeremy Giffon insight: biographies as substitute mentors.[00:12:37] Reading biographies as one-sided conversations.[00:13:16] The chain of influence.[00:14:09] Podcasting as “relationships at scale.”[00:14:28] Coping with trauma and breaking cycles.[00:20:18] Note-taking process: books, Post-its, ruler, Readwise.[00:29:27] OCD tendencies and love of doing things the hard way.[00:31:04] Comparing our reading/re-reading workflows.[00:35:04] A family falling out and the randomness of student housing.[00:38:58] David's introduction to my work during his MySpace-era college years.[00:40:07] Podcasting influences: Jocko Willink, Kevin Rose's Elon Musk interview.[00:44:14] Five-and-a-half years of obscurity before breakthrough.[00:46:50] Graphtreon and experiments with subscription models.[00:49:25] Patrick O'Shaughnessy's endorsement sparks growth.[00:51:23] Sam Hinkie and Patrick connections fuel momentum.[00:52:19] Transition to ads and joining Patrick's network.[00:55:17] Edwin Land: patron saint of founders and Steve Jobs' influence.[00:57:02] Lessons from Sam Zell, Jay Pritzker, and William Zeckendorf.[00:58:48] Need a generous, well-connected person? You can't go wrong with Rick Gerson.[01:03:04] Edwin Land's philosophies: Differentiation and doing to excess.[01:04:30] Entrepreneurial archetypes and conflicting advice.[01:06:00] Daniel Ek as an alternative founder archetype and mentor.[01:10:59] Further founder archetypes and contrasts.[01:13:41] What is an anti-business billionaire?[01:19:55] Advice from “shark” Michael Ovitz about the value of truth in one's inner circle.[01:22:30] The hands-on approach of practical founders who live for the love of their business.[01:23:28] Doing one thing relentlessly.[01:23:51] “This can't be my life” as a powerful motivator.[01:26:57] Low introspection as a common trait among founders — and its implications about human nature.[01:30:15] Robert Caro: The only writer David believes should be allowed to write thousand-page biographies.[01:32:40] James Dyson's persistence vs. the risk of blind stubbornness.[01:34:22] Todd Graves (Raising Cane's) as an example of relentless focus on one idea.[01:35:41] Separating fact from fiction in biographies/histories.[01:41:55] Considering trainable vs. non-trainable attributes in potential role models.[01:46:11] Perusing Charlie Munger's library.[01:49:35] Dealmaking lessons on Eddie Lampert's superyacht.[01:55:34] The smartest person David knows.[01:56:55] David's obsessive craftsman approach to podcast creation.[01:58:51] Why David decided to begin a second podcast.[02:01:21] The economics of trust.[02:03:40] The benefits of cultivating a purposeful aloofness about current events.[02:07:11] Using the pulpit of publicity for good, not evil.[02:09:57] New show frequency/dynamic and how David plans to balance the burden of running two shows.[02:13:30] Teamwork with essence of turtle.[02:15:40] Adapting the Rockefeller “secret allies” strategy to podcasting.[02:17:56] Chris Hutchins: The mad scientist of podcasting?[02:18:30] Working with Rob Mohr and Andrew Huberman of SciComm.[02:20:54] Why David focuses on 24-hour cycles over long-term planning.[02:24:54] Does David worry the extra workload will disrupt his lifestyle?[02:30:18] What makes one potential guest more interesting to David than another?[02:34:34] Making an impact vs. happiness.[02:36:32] Playing the status game when your heart's not in it is for suckers.[02:44:23] Travel observations and the rarity of truly unique experiences.[02:46:26] Books as philosophical operating systems.[02:48:39] Parting thoughts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Watch this episode on YouTube!  Derek has accomplished numerous impressive feats. He founded CD Baby. In 2008, he sold CD Baby for $22 million and donated the proceeds to a charitable trust dedicated to music education. After selling the company, he transitioned into writing and speaking. Derek's books are short, dense, and profound. In honor of his style, I've broken up my interview with him into three fascinating segments. It would be great if you could buy Derek's new book, Useful Not True, from Amazon, as I receive a small commission. However, if you want a much better deal, do what I did: buy multiple copies of his book from Derek Sivers's website. It's significantly cheaper than Amazon, especially when purchasing multiple copies, as each additional hardcover copy costs only about $4 more.  How Derek Sivers and I met Derek Sivers stumbled onto The Hidden Europe, fell in love with it, and reached out to me 10 years ago, telling me how much he loved my book. I had no idea who he was, but soon found out. A-list celebrities, such as Tim Ferriss, have interviewed Derek on multiple occasions. Still, I'm not one to fall for celebrities, unless she's Megan Fox. What makes me most thrilled about interviewing Derek is his philosophy: he's a stoic. This guy sold his company (CD Baby) for $22 million and gave the money away to charity. He loves to experiment, travel, and think out of the box. It pains me that he and I missed each other when I visited his city in Wellington, New Zealand. I was there for a day, and it happened to be the day that he devotes entirely and exclusively to his son. I wish he were a less responsible father. About Derek Sivers Derek Sivers is focused on creation, learning, and living a minimalist, highly intentional life. Background: Born in 1969 in Berkeley, he moved frequently during his childhood, including to U.S. cities and England. His early focus on music began at the age of 14, when he was trained at Berklee College of Music. He transitioned into entrepreneurship. Career: Started multiple companies, including CD Baby and HostBaby, sold them in 2008, and since then has focused on writing, traveling, and intrinsic creativity rather than money or fame. Life Philosophy: Influenced by Stoicism, skeptical and open to changing perspectives, values self-strengthening for the future, and embraces the paradox that opposite views can both be true. Work Style: Loves to work alone intensely for long hours (12+ hours daily), prefers solo creative pursuits, and values deep focus and minimalist distraction. Uses minimal tech tools, avoids apps and cloud dependence, and prefers phone conversations to in-person socializing. Personal: American by origin, a world citizen, and expat living in various countries for extended periods. Has a 12-year-old son with whom he spends significant undivided time weekly. Identifies as an introverted extrovert with a strong social time limit, values voice communication, and dislikes noise and crowds. Values & Traits: Minimalist in possessions and technology, single-task oriented, future-focused, deliberate, avoids addictions, hates wasting time, and values silence and quality over quantity in relationships and experiences. Creative Interests: Loves and creates music with a focus on innovation, song craft, and high-quality recordings. Prefers analytical listening and creative originality rather than mainstream trends. Overall, Derek leads a carefully optimized life that prioritizes creativity, learning, and meaningful personal connections, with a strong emphasis on independence, long-term thinking, and simplicity. Connect with Derek Derek Sivers  d@sive.rs  https://sive.rs/ Get my audiobooks, ebooks, and hardcovers at sivers.com/e?t=n0fw4KGN40U4D71f sive.rs/u = USEFUL NOT TRUE: reframing because belief → emotion → action sive.rs/h = HOW TO LIVE: 27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusion sive.rs/n = HELL YEAH OR NO: what's worth doing? sive.rs/m = YOUR MUSIC & PEOPLE: humanistic marketing for creatives sive.rs/a = ANYTHING YOU WANT: make your business a utopia Connect Send me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share!  On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr   Sponsors 1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon 2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles! 3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K 4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in. 5. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! 6. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken.  7. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! 8. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Most entrepreneurs waste years trying to write "the perfect book." Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby (sold for $22M), has a better approach. Instead of thinking book first, start with individual blog posts. One idea per post. After 50-80 posts, you've already written your book - just compile them. His "Hell Yeah or No" decision-making framework helped him build and sell one of the most successful independent music platforms. Now he's applying this same clarity to help others cut through decision paralysis. If an opportunity isn't a "hell yeah," it's automatically a no. This simple filter eliminates mediocrity and creates space for what truly matters. Listen to episode 529 of Get Yourself Optimized to discover how Derek's unconventional approaches to writing, decision-making, and life design can transform your business and personal growth. The show notes, including the transcript and checklist to this episode, are at getyourselfoptimized.com/529.

This is episode 2 of 3 featuring Derek Sivers. Watch it on YouTube! Derek has accomplished numerous impressive feats. He founded CD Baby. In 2008, he sold CD Baby for $22 million and donated the proceeds to a charitable trust dedicated to music education. After selling the company, he transitioned into writing and speaking. Derek's books are short, dense, and profound. In honor of his style, I've broken up my interview with him into three fascinating segments. It would be great if you could buy Derek's new book, Useful Not True, from Amazon, as I receive a small commission. However, if you want a much better deal, do what I did: buy multiple copies of his book from Derek Sivers's website. It's significantly cheaper than Amazon, especially when purchasing multiple copies, as each additional hardcover copy costs only about $4 more.  How Derek Sivers and I met Derek Sivers stumbled onto The Hidden Europe, fell in love with it, and reached out to me 10 years ago, telling me how much he loved my book. I had no idea who he was, but soon found out. A-list celebrities, such as Tim Ferriss, have interviewed Derek on multiple occasions. Still, I'm not one to fall for celebrities, unless she's Megan Fox. What makes me most thrilled about interviewing Derek is his philosophy: he's a stoic. This guy sold his company (CD Baby) for $22 million and gave the money away to charity. He loves to experiment, travel, and think out of the box. It pains me that he and I missed each other when I visited his city in Wellington, New Zealand. I was there for a day, and it happened to be the day that he devotes entirely and exclusively to his son. I wish he were a less responsible father. About Derek Sivers Derek Sivers is focused on creation, learning, and living a minimalist, highly intentional life. Background: Born in 1969 in Berkeley, he moved frequently during his childhood, including to U.S. cities and England. His early focus on music began at the age of 14, when he was trained at Berklee College of Music. He transitioned into entrepreneurship. Career: Started multiple companies, including CD Baby and HostBaby, sold them in 2008, and since then has focused on writing, traveling, and intrinsic creativity rather than money or fame. Life Philosophy: Influenced by Stoicism, skeptical and open to changing perspectives, values self-strengthening for the future, and embraces the paradox that opposite views can both be true. Work Style: Loves to work alone intensely for long hours (12+ hours daily), prefers solo creative pursuits, and values deep focus and minimalist distraction. Uses minimal tech tools, avoids apps and cloud dependence, and prefers phone conversations to in-person socializing. Personal: American by origin, a world citizen, and expat living in various countries for extended periods. Has a 12-year-old son with whom he spends significant undivided time weekly. Identifies as an introverted extrovert with a strong social time limit, values voice communication, and dislikes noise and crowds. Values & Traits: Minimalist in possessions and technology, single-task oriented, future-focused, deliberate, avoids addictions, hates wasting time, and values silence and quality over quantity in relationships and experiences. Creative Interests: Loves and creates music with a focus on innovation, song craft, and high-quality recordings. Prefers analytical listening and creative originality rather than mainstream trends. Overall, Derek leads a carefully optimized life that prioritizes creativity, learning, and meaningful personal connections, with a strong emphasis on independence, long-term thinking, and simplicity. Connect with Derek Derek Sivers  d@sive.rs  https://sive.rs/ Get my audiobooks, ebooks, and hardcovers at sivers.com/e?t=n0fw4KGN40U4D71f sive.rs/u = USEFUL NOT TRUE: reframing because belief → emotion → action sive.rs/h = HOW TO LIVE: 27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusion sive.rs/n = HELL YEAH OR NO: what's worth doing? sive.rs/m = YOUR MUSIC & PEOPLE: humanistic marketing for creatives sive.rs/a = ANYTHING YOU WANT: make your business a utopia Connect Send me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share!  On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr   Sponsors 1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon 2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles! 3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K 4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in. 5. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! 6. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken.  7. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! 8. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Video #1: What's Useful, Not True? This is episode 1 of 3 featuring Derek Sivers.  Derek has accomplished numerous impressive feats. He founded CD Baby. In 2008, he sold CD Baby for $22 million and donated the proceeds to a charitable trust dedicated to music education. After selling the company, he transitioned into writing and speaking. Derek's books are short, dense, and profound. In honor of his style, I've broken up my interview with him into three fascinating segments. It would be great if you could buy Derek's new book, Useful Not True, from Amazon, as I receive a small commission. However, if you want a much better deal, do what I did: buy multiple copies of his book from Derek Sivers's website. It's significantly cheaper than Amazon, especially when purchasing multiple copies, as each additional hardcover copy costs only about $4 more.  At 10:00 in the episode, Derek mentions Stewart Brand's How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built.  How Derek Sivers and I met Derek Sivers stumbled onto The Hidden Europe, fell in love with it, and reached out to me 10 years ago, telling me how much he loved my book. I had no idea who he was, but soon found out. A-list celebrities, such as Tim Ferriss, have interviewed Derek on multiple occasions. Still, I'm not one to fall for celebrities, unless she's Megan Fox. What makes me most thrilled about interviewing Derek is his philosophy: he's a stoic. This guy sold his company (CD Baby) for $22 million and gave the money away to charity. He loves to experiment, travel, and think out of the box. It pains me that he and I missed each other when I visited his city in Wellington, New Zealand. I was there for a day, and it happened to be the day that he devotes entirely and exclusively to his son. I wish he were a less responsible father. About Derek Sivers Derek Sivers is focused on creation, learning, and living a minimalist, highly intentional life. Background: Born in 1969 in Berkeley, he moved frequently during his childhood, including to U.S. cities and England. His early focus on music began at the age of 14, when he was trained at Berklee College of Music. He transitioned into entrepreneurship. Career: Started multiple companies, including CD Baby and HostBaby, sold them in 2008, and since then has focused on writing, traveling, and intrinsic creativity rather than money or fame. Life Philosophy: Influenced by Stoicism, skeptical and open to changing perspectives, values self-strengthening for the future, and embraces the paradox that opposite views can both be true. Work Style: Loves to work alone intensely for long hours (12+ hours daily), prefers solo creative pursuits, and values deep focus and minimalist distraction. Uses minimal tech tools, avoids apps and cloud dependence, and prefers phone conversations to in-person socializing. Personal: American by origin, a world citizen, and expat living in various countries for extended periods. Has a 12-year-old son with whom he spends significant undivided time weekly. Identifies as an introverted extrovert with a strong social time limit, values voice communication, and dislikes noise and crowds. Values & Traits: Minimalist in possessions and technology, single-task oriented, future-focused, deliberate, avoids addictions, hates wasting time, and values silence and quality over quantity in relationships and experiences. Creative Interests: Loves and creates music with a focus on innovation, song craft, and high-quality recordings. Prefers analytical listening and creative originality rather than mainstream trends. Overall, Derek leads a carefully optimized life that prioritizes creativity, learning, and meaningful personal connections, with a strong emphasis on independence, long-term thinking, and simplicity. Connect with Derek Derek Sivers  d@sive.rs  https://sive.rs/ Get my audiobooks, ebooks, and hardcovers at sivers.com/e?t=n0fw4KGN40U4D71f sive.rs/u = USEFUL NOT TRUE: reframing because belief → emotion → action sive.rs/h = HOW TO LIVE: 27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusion sive.rs/n = HELL YEAH OR NO: what's worth doing? sive.rs/m = YOUR MUSIC & PEOPLE: humanistic marketing for creatives sive.rs/a = ANYTHING YOU WANT: make your business a utopia Connect Send me an anonymous voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at https://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share!  On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr   Sponsors 1. My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron for as little as $2/month at https://Patreon.com/FTapon 2. For the best travel credit card, get one of the Chase Sapphire cards and get 75-100k bonus miles! 3. Get $5 when you sign up for Roamless, my favorite global eSIM! Use code LR32K 4. Get 25% off when you sign up for Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in. 5. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! 6. In the United States, I recommend trading cryptocurrency with Kraken.  7. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! 8. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1782: Derek Sivers explores how saying “yes” to everything can dilute our time and energy, advocating instead for a powerful filter: if it's not a “hell yes,” it's a “no.” This mindset frees us from obligation overload and helps us focus only on what truly excites and aligns with our goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/cs Quotes to ponder: "If you're not saying 'HELL YEAH!' about something, say 'no'." "When you say no to most things, you leave room in your life to really throw yourself completely into that rare thing that makes you say 'hell yeah'." "The difference between 'yes' and 'no' is huge." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1782: Derek Sivers explores how saying “yes” to everything can dilute our time and energy, advocating instead for a powerful filter: if it's not a “hell yes,” it's a “no.” This mindset frees us from obligation overload and helps us focus only on what truly excites and aligns with our goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/cs Quotes to ponder: "If you're not saying 'HELL YEAH!' about something, say 'no'." "When you say no to most things, you leave room in your life to really throw yourself completely into that rare thing that makes you say 'hell yeah'." "The difference between 'yes' and 'no' is huge." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1782: Derek Sivers explores how saying “yes” to everything can dilute our time and energy, advocating instead for a powerful filter: if it's not a “hell yes,” it's a “no.” This mindset frees us from obligation overload and helps us focus only on what truly excites and aligns with our goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/cs Quotes to ponder: "If you're not saying 'HELL YEAH!' about something, say 'no'." "When you say no to most things, you leave room in your life to really throw yourself completely into that rare thing that makes you say 'hell yeah'." "The difference between 'yes' and 'no' is huge." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1782: Derek Sivers explores how saying “yes” to everything can dilute our time and energy, advocating instead for a powerful filter: if it's not a “hell yes,” it's a “no.” This mindset frees us from obligation overload and helps us focus only on what truly excites and aligns with our goals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/cs Quotes to ponder: "If you're not saying 'HELL YEAH!' about something, say 'no'." "When you say no to most things, you leave room in your life to really throw yourself completely into that rare thing that makes you say 'hell yeah'." "The difference between 'yes' and 'no' is huge." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1781: Derek Sivers unpacks why doing something unconventional, even if it feels wrong or counterintuitive, is often the key to growth. By embracing the discomfort of going against your instincts, you unlock creative possibilities and build resilience that sticking to the “right” path could never offer. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/cs Quotes to ponder: "Doing the opposite of what feels right usually works better." "When something is scary or hard, that's usually a sign you should do it." "Conventional wisdom is the enemy of growth." Episode references: Thinking, Fast and Slow: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-and-Slow/dp/0374533555 The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1781: Derek Sivers unpacks why doing something unconventional, even if it feels wrong or counterintuitive, is often the key to growth. By embracing the discomfort of going against your instincts, you unlock creative possibilities and build resilience that sticking to the “right” path could never offer. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/cs Quotes to ponder: "Doing the opposite of what feels right usually works better." "When something is scary or hard, that's usually a sign you should do it." "Conventional wisdom is the enemy of growth." Episode references: Thinking, Fast and Slow: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-and-Slow/dp/0374533555 The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1781: Derek Sivers unpacks why doing something unconventional, even if it feels wrong or counterintuitive, is often the key to growth. By embracing the discomfort of going against your instincts, you unlock creative possibilities and build resilience that sticking to the “right” path could never offer. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/cs Quotes to ponder: "Doing the opposite of what feels right usually works better." "When something is scary or hard, that's usually a sign you should do it." "Conventional wisdom is the enemy of growth." Episode references: Thinking, Fast and Slow: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-and-Slow/dp/0374533555 The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1781: Derek Sivers unpacks why doing something unconventional, even if it feels wrong or counterintuitive, is often the key to growth. By embracing the discomfort of going against your instincts, you unlock creative possibilities and build resilience that sticking to the “right” path could never offer. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/cs Quotes to ponder: "Doing the opposite of what feels right usually works better." "When something is scary or hard, that's usually a sign you should do it." "Conventional wisdom is the enemy of growth." Episode references: Thinking, Fast and Slow: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-and-Slow/dp/0374533555 The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

¿Sientes que necesitas estar en todas las plataformas para tener éxito? ¿Te agota la presión de publicar constantemente sin profundidad real?Hay otra forma: la marca personal minimalista.En este episodio de Tu Marca Personal descubrirás cómo profesionales como Derek Sivers y Paul Jarvis construyeron imperios con estrategias mínimas pero poderosas.✅ ESENCIA: Cómo eliminar lo superfluo para potenciar tu mensaje central ✅ ENFOQUE: El arte de explorar un mensaje desde mil ángulos sin dispersarte ✅ SISTEMA: Estructuras simples que mantienen presencia sin sacrificar calidadAprenderás:Por qué menos puede ser exponencialmente másCómo dominar una plataforma en lugar de estar mediocre en diezEl sistema de contenido que crea impacto duraderoLas métricas que realmente importan (spoiler: no son los likes)Este episodio es para ti si:La presión de estar en todos lados te está quemandoSientes que produces mucho pero sin profundidadQuieres una marca personal sostenible a largo plazoBuscas impacto real, no vanity metricsIncluye ejemplos prácticos y un desafío minimalista específico para implementar esta semana.

Amber Rae joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about meeting her soulmate while already married, living a story as you write it, allowing a book to show you what it needs to be, writing for our own growth and delight, slowing scenes down to put readers in our lived experience, holding onto the larger intention of the book, wounds we're afraid to look at, facing both old and new shame, compassionate understanding, learning how to mother ourselves, revealing intimate details of our lives in public forums, authentically inserting our voice into our chosen medium, healing through the process of writing, choosing to be as brave as possible on the page, and her new memoir Loveable: One Woman's Path from Good to Free.   Also in this episode: -setting boundaries -tracing original patterns -bringing readers  into our interior world   Books mentioned in this episode: -Untamed by Glennon Doyle -You Could Make this Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith -Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth GIlbert   Amber is the international bestselling author of Choose Wonder Over Worry (translated into 8 languages), The Answers Are Within You, and The Feelings Journal. Her writing and illustrations reach millions of people per month in nearly 200 countries, and she's been featured in The New York Times, NYMag, TODAY, SELF, Forbes, and Entrepreneur. She's a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator who's worked with Kate Spade, Meta, Microsoft, Merrill Lynch, Lululemon, Unilever, TED, SAP, and more. A Seth Godin alum, Amber helped launch his publishing company with Amazon and supported authors like Steven Pressfield and Derek Sivers. She's also mentored over 1,000 writers and helped more than a dozen land six-figure book deals. As a creative entrepreneur, Amber has launched global journaling challenges, art movements, life accelerators, and book birthing workshops. Her personal journaling practice spans 30 years, forming the foundation of her inner work and creative clarity. Her new memoir is Loveable: One Woman's Path from Good to Free.   Connect with Amber:  Website: https://www.amberrae.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyamberrae/   – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories.  She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social   Background photo credit: Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash Headshot photo credit: Sarah Anne Photography Theme music: Isaac Joel, Dead Moll's Fingers

Episode Notes:Authenticity in Art: You're a real artist if you're doing the work—regardless of metrics or recognition.Internal Metrics for Growth: Choose your own measures of progress and satisfaction.Emotional Expression: Not every feeling needs to be shared online. Say less. Process more.Derek Sivers Insight: Sometimes saying your plans out loud gives you the reward without doing the work.New Book Preview: Reading from In the Low, a prayer book for seasons of depression (releasing Oct 7, 2025). Links For Justin:Order In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3677: Derek Sivers shares two compact yet profound reflections: one on the paradox of chasing goals and the other on handling hatred. In the first, he reminds us that striving too hard can backfire, sometimes what we want only comes when we stop chasing. In the second, he offers a liberating reframe: you don't need to hate something just because it's not for you. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/fish & https://sive.rs/hatenot Quotes to ponder: "If you chase a fish, it will swim away. But if you go about your business calmly, it may come to you out of curiosity." "Not liking something doesn't mean you have to hate it." "It's a relief to realize you don't have to fight everything that's not for you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3677: Derek Sivers shares two compact yet profound reflections: one on the paradox of chasing goals and the other on handling hatred. In the first, he reminds us that striving too hard can backfire, sometimes what we want only comes when we stop chasing. In the second, he offers a liberating reframe: you don't need to hate something just because it's not for you. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/fish & https://sive.rs/hatenot Quotes to ponder: "If you chase a fish, it will swim away. But if you go about your business calmly, it may come to you out of curiosity." "Not liking something doesn't mean you have to hate it." "It's a relief to realize you don't have to fight everything that's not for you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3677: Derek Sivers shares two compact yet profound reflections: one on the paradox of chasing goals and the other on handling hatred. In the first, he reminds us that striving too hard can backfire, sometimes what we want only comes when we stop chasing. In the second, he offers a liberating reframe: you don't need to hate something just because it's not for you. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/fish & https://sive.rs/hatenot Quotes to ponder: "If you chase a fish, it will swim away. But if you go about your business calmly, it may come to you out of curiosity." "Not liking something doesn't mean you have to hate it." "It's a relief to realize you don't have to fight everything that's not for you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derek Sivers is one of the most interesting thinkers of our time. He's been a professional touring musician, a circus performer, and a successful entrepreneur who sold his company for millions – and then gave away his proceeds from the sale. Since selling the company, Derek has become a speaker, writer and author of five books including his latest release, “Useful Not True.”  During our show, we discuss how to overcome self-limiting beliefs, why we over-value our instincts (and what to do instead), and a new (and more useful) approach to setting goals. Derek also shares the one thing that all of his heroes have in common, and his thoughts on what the best thing is that you can pursue in your life. You can learn more about Derek by visiting his website sive.rs. We invite you to share your feedback about this show with us on social media. We're @crazygoodturns on all of the platforms. Don't forget to subscribe or follow us on the podcast service of your choice. If you already subscribe, we'd really appreciate a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazy-good-turns/id1137217687 We appreciate you listening and sharing our episodes. Thank you!   

What if a story that's haunted you for years… was never true? In this short but powerful episode, we dive into a jaw-dropping true story that will make you question the narratives you've been carrying — especially the ones that have shaped your identity and decisions for years. It's the story of Derek Sivers, entrepreneur and author, who spent 16 years believing he had ruined a woman's life in a devastating car accident. The guilt became part of who he was — until a shocking encounter revealed the truth: the story he'd built his life around was never real. And that revelation opens up a much bigger conversation for all of us as freelancers and solo professionals. What beliefs are you holding onto that no longer serve you? What if the story that's limiting your potential is a lie you've been telling yourself for years? Key Takeaway: We all carry stories about ourselves, our worth, our abilities, our mistakes. But sometimes, those stories aren't rooted in fact. They're rooted in fear, shame, or incomplete information. And they keep us stuck. When we challenge those narratives, we create space for healing, growth, and a more empowered future. Listener Challenge: This week, carve out 15 minutes to reflect on a belief or story you've been carrying, especially one that weighs you down. Ask yourself: Is it 100% true? Where did it come from? What would change if I let it go?

About Derek SiversDerek Sivers has worn many hats, musician, entrepreneur, author, and philosopher, but his work maintains a single throughline: a relentless pursuit of living deliberately. He first found success by founding CD Baby, an indie music platform that revolutionized digital distribution before he sold it for over $20 million and donated most of the proceeds. Since then, he's become a bestselling author of books like Anything You Want, Hell Yeah or No, and Useful Not True, each filled with punchy, poetic wisdom earned from experience. In this episode, we explore how to treat your life like a design problem, why marketing is part of the art, and how vulnerability and weirdness aren't liabilities—they're the keys to resonance. Whether you're building a company, making games, or just trying to figure out how to live a more meaningful life, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and invite you to take that first small but deliberate step. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe

Maybe it isn't the task you dread. Maybe it's the setup, or thinking something will take longer than it does. We'll pump you up to power you through in this edition of Doing What Works.Here are your show notes…Derek Sivers says a workout is as problematic as you make it out to be.Becoming You author Suzy Welch says getting fired is often the exact right career move.Minimum viable progress is still progress! Oh, boy. Is it ever.

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/232 http://relay.fm/focused/232 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Derek Sivers joins us to talk about personal agency, idea ownership, saying no, and (of course) journaling. Derek Sivers joins us to talk about personal agency, idea ownership, saying no, and (of course) journaling. clean 4610 Derek Sivers joins us to talk about personal agency, idea ownership, saying no, and (of course) journaling. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast. Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free. Guest Starring: Derek Sivers Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content. Derek Sivers CD Baby Hell Yeah or No | Derek Sivers How to Start a Movement | TED Talk Useful Not True | Derek Sivers Anything You Want | Derek Sivers Your Music and People | Derek Sivers How to Live | Derek Sivers How to do what you love and make good money | Derek Sivers One big choice shapes a hundred more | Derek Sivers Vim Scripting News The Confident Mind by Nate Zinser Mark Twain by Ron Chernow The Political Thought of Xi Jinping Book I've Read | Derek Sivers Pandoc What I'm doing now | Derek Sivers What I'm Doing Now | MacSparky

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/232 http://relay.fm/focused/232 Useful Not True, with Derek Sivers 232 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Derek Sivers joins us to talk about personal agency, idea ownership, saying no, and (of course) journaling. Derek Sivers joins us to talk about personal agency, idea ownership, saying no, and (of course) journaling. clean 4610 Derek Sivers joins us to talk about personal agency, idea ownership, saying no, and (of course) journaling. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast. Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free. Guest Starring: Derek Sivers Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content. Derek Sivers CD Baby Hell Yeah or No | Derek Sivers How to Start a Movement | TED Talk Useful Not True | Derek Sivers Anything You Want | Derek Sivers Your Music and People | Derek Sivers How to Live | Derek Sivers How to do what you love and make good money | Derek Sivers One big choice shapes a hundred more | Derek Sivers Vim Scripting News The Confident Mind by Nate Zinser Mark Twain by Ron Chernow The Political Thought of Xi Jinping Book I've Read | Derek Sivers Pandoc What I'm doing now | Derek Sivers What I'm Doing Now | MacSparky

What if a little bit of delusion might be exactly what you need to boost your confidence? As the kids these days say: “being delulu is the solulu!” Mary shares 4 mindset shifts– that some might consider “delusional”– but will do wonders for your confidence. You will learn how to... - lie to yourself in an empowering way lol - stop comparing yourself to others with one very simple mindset shift - break free from external validation and derive your confidence from within - balance self-trust with consistent, confident action-taking - release perfectionism and believe in yourself Especially for women, embracing a positive mindset is often the first rebellion against a world that profits off of our self-doubt. This isn't about toxic positivity or lying to yourself in a way that's avoidant. It's about consciously choosing beliefs rooted in self-love that remind you that you are enough. Reclaim your self-esteem by choosing self-talk that inspires action and fuels your dreams, regardless of personal insecurities or cultural expectations. Remember: Confidence doesn't always have to be logical. It just has to set you free. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends to spread the gift of self-love! We love women empowering women! Deepen your self-love journey with Mary's books: 1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are. Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Mentioned In This Episode... Ep. 212 How To Be Honest with Yourself How Often Do People Lie? University of Wisconsin article Ep. 246: The Breakup That Paved My Self-Love Journey @alok on Instagram Ep. 250: Productivity Advice Meets Self-Compassion with Oliver Burkeman Useful Not True by Derek Sivers

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3621: Derek Sivers explores how hate and loss can serve as unexpected catalysts for self-discovery and personal clarity. By confronting what repels or devastates us, we uncover our deepest values and realign with what truly matters, sharpening our sense of purpose in the process. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/hate & https://sive.rs/loss Quotes to ponder: "I used to think hate was a negative emotion to be avoided. Now I see it as a useful alarm." "What you hate is a hint at what you value. What you hate shows what you believe should not be." "Loss feels like being stripped of everything, but then you realize what was underneath it all." Episode references: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713 Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: https://www.amazon.com/Top-Five-Regrets-Dying-Transformed/dp/140194065X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Road to Growth podcast, we are pleased to introduce you to Reena Friedman Watts. There's not much Reena hasn't done in her professional life. She's scoured the NPR newswire for stories. She's combed through hundreds of small claims cases. She's worked on popular reality TV shows such as The Jerry Springer Show, Court TV, and Nanny 911. She's worked in Radio. She's planned mega-events for the telecom and finance industries. She's secured sponsors and emceed. She's booked sensational and hard-to-get guests such as Howard Schultz, Barbara Corcoran, Ken Coleman, and Derek Sivers on Cathy Heller's Don't Keep Your Day Job Podcast and boosted the downloads from 4M to nearly 15M.Reena has a God-given talent for connecting people and building communities, and she bestows her magic on people most selflessly and genuinely.   Better Call Daddy is a podcast for people who love stories. Hosted by the Reena Friedman Watts (Jerry Springer Show, Court TV), everyone from influential business leaders to phone sex workers are featured on the show. Nothing is censored here! Each episode, Reena will interview a person of interest, and her father will chime in with his words of wisdom.   Learn more and connect with Reena Friedman Watts by visiting her on   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettercalldaddypodcast/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5L7iWicv8KpujPqPe9G7C6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts/       Be sure to follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/to_growth on Facebook: facebook.com/Road2Growth   Subscribe to our podcast across the web: https://www.theenriquezgroup.com/blog Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Cdmacc iTunes: https://apple.co/2F4zAcn Castbox: http://bit.ly/2F4NfQq Google Play: http://bit.ly/2TxUYQ2 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKnzMRkl-PurAb32mCLCMeA?view_as=subscriber   If you are looking to be a Guest on Podcasts please click below  https://kitcaster.com/rtg/  For any San Diego Real Estate Questions Please Follow Us at web: www.TheEnriquezGroup.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKnzMRkl-PurAb32mCLCMeA or Call : 858 -345 - 7829 Recently reduced properties in San Diego County * Click **** bit.ly/3cbT65C **** Here* ************************************************************ Sponsor = www.MelodyClouds.com

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3621: Derek Sivers explores how hate and loss can serve as unexpected catalysts for self-discovery and personal clarity. By confronting what repels or devastates us, we uncover our deepest values and realign with what truly matters, sharpening our sense of purpose in the process. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/hate & https://sive.rs/loss Quotes to ponder: "I used to think hate was a negative emotion to be avoided. Now I see it as a useful alarm." "What you hate is a hint at what you value. What you hate shows what you believe should not be." "Loss feels like being stripped of everything, but then you realize what was underneath it all." Episode references: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713 Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: https://www.amazon.com/Top-Five-Regrets-Dying-Transformed/dp/140194065X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3621: Derek Sivers explores how hate and loss can serve as unexpected catalysts for self-discovery and personal clarity. By confronting what repels or devastates us, we uncover our deepest values and realign with what truly matters, sharpening our sense of purpose in the process. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/hate & https://sive.rs/loss Quotes to ponder: "I used to think hate was a negative emotion to be avoided. Now I see it as a useful alarm." "What you hate is a hint at what you value. What you hate shows what you believe should not be." "Loss feels like being stripped of everything, but then you realize what was underneath it all." Episode references: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713 Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: https://www.amazon.com/Top-Five-Regrets-Dying-Transformed/dp/140194065X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I started this podcast more than 7 years ago, I listed Derek Sivers as my dream guest (sorry Kelly Slater). Sivers' gift, I believe, is the willingness to question the premise of all things, delightfully, humorously, and give anyone in his orbit the choice to follow a more original path. An author of philosophy and entrepreneurship, he's known for his surprising quotable insights, pithy succinct writing style, and commitment to minimalism. (He currently lives in a 4x8 meter house in New Zealand and is building it out slowly, room by room, just to see what he needs.) Formerly a musician, programmer, TED speaker, and circus clown, he sold his first company for $22 million and gave all the money to charity. Sivers' books (Useful, Not True, How to Live, Hell Yeah or No, Your Music and People, Anything You Want) and newest projects are at his website: sive.rs. He loves hearing from strangers and will reply to every email, so if you enjoyed this podcast, shoot him an email and let him know. If you dig this podcast, will you please leave a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds and makes a difference when I drop to my knees and beg hard-to-get guests on the show. I read them all. You can watch this podcast on my YouTube channel and join my newsletter on Substack. It's glorious. Get full access to Kyle Thiermann at thiermann.substack.com/subscribe

What if a little bit of delusion might be exactly what you need to boost your confidence? As the kids these days say: “being delulu is the solulu!”Mary shares 4 mindset shifts– that some might consider “delusional”– but will do wonders for your confidence. You will learn how to... - lie to yourself in an empowering way lol - stop comparing yourself to others with one very simple mindset shift - break free from external validation and derive your confidence from within - balance self-trust with consistent, confident action-taking - release perfectionism and believe in yourself Especially for women, embracing a positive mindset is often the first rebellion against a world that profits off of our self-doubt. This isn't about toxic positivity or lying to yourself in a way that's avoidant. It's about consciously choosing beliefs rooted in self-love that remind you that you are enough. Reclaim your self-esteem by choosing self-talk that inspires action and fuels your dreams, regardless of personal insecurities or cultural expectations. Remember: Confidence doesn't always have to be logical. It just has to set you free. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends to spread the gift of self-love! We love women empowering women! Deepen your self-love journey with Mary's books: 1. The Gift of Self-Love, an interactive workbook that will help you build confidence, recognize your worth, and learn to finally love yourself. 2. 100 Days of Self-Love, a guided journal with 100 prompts to help you calm self-criticism and learn to love who you are. Follow Mary on IG: @maryscupofteaa and @maryspodcast Mentioned In This Episode: Ep. 212 How To Be Honest with Yourself How Often Do People Lie? University of Wisconsin article Ep. 246: The Breakup That Paved My Self-Love Journey @alok on Instagram Ep. 250: Productivity Advice Meets Self-Compassion with Oliver Burkeman Useful Not True by Derek Sivers

TUNE IN TO LEARN:  What if the solution to your productivity struggles isn't found in the next AI tool, but in mastering something you already possess?   This episode explores a simple truth about personal growth and leadership: we've mistakenly believed that better tools, more knowledge, or the perfect system will finally help us get organized and reach our potential. Yet despite having access to all the knowledge we need to live better lives, most of us still struggle with consistency and follow-through.  Why is that?  The real operating system for success isn't external - it's internal.  Drawing from research on emotional regulation and insights from experts and entrepreneurs like Derek Sivers and Yu-kai Chou, we unpack how the most important human problem to "fix" isn't knowledge or access to tools - it's self-leadership.  At the heart of this episode is a practical five-step framework for emotional mastery to unlock self-leadership skills you need to get the most of all the tools and knowledge humanity has to offer - you'll discover how to cultivate your "emotional garden" to drive meaningful change.  Ready to move beyond the endless search for the perfect productivity system?  Join us to learn how emotional mastery creates the foundation for everything else in your life to work successfully.    Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Being willing to try things is great. Being sure the next thing is the secret to life might mean closets full of gadgets you never use. This is the smart shopping edition of Doing What Works.Here are your show notes…Confirmation bias is the tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting, information that is consistent with your existing beliefs.A low-probability, high-consequence event is a risk you don't necessarily want to take.Derek Sivers says if you trust the source you don't need the argument.We contain multitudes.Garrison Keillor says what keeps us going is the hope tomorrow will be different.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1663: Derek Sivers reveals how desperation can be a powerful motivator when used intentionally, allowing us to bypass fear and unlock action. He contrasts this with the idea of gradual progress, emphasizing how clarity, simplicity, and aligned action, without rushing, can lead to sustainable growth and mastery. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/desperate  AND  https://sive.rs/prog Quotes to ponder: "Desperation is surprisingly useful. It makes you do whatever it takes." "Progress means you're working in a direction you want to go, not towards something you feel forced into." "You can make amazing progress without desperation." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1663: Derek Sivers reveals how desperation can be a powerful motivator when used intentionally, allowing us to bypass fear and unlock action. He contrasts this with the idea of gradual progress, emphasizing how clarity, simplicity, and aligned action, without rushing, can lead to sustainable growth and mastery. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sive.rs/desperate  AND  https://sive.rs/prog Quotes to ponder: "Desperation is surprisingly useful. It makes you do whatever it takes." "Progress means you're working in a direction you want to go, not towards something you feel forced into." "You can make amazing progress without desperation." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3551: Success comes from results, not just potential. Derek Sivers shares a lesson from the music industry: those who show momentum get better opportunities. He also warns against blindly following advice, as it's often shaped by personal bias. Instead, gather multiple perspectives and trust your own judgment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sivers.org/success-first  &  https://sivers.org/advice Quotes to ponder: "You have to make your own success first, before you ask the industry for help." "Show that you're going to be successful without their help. Show that you have momentum." "The problem is taking any one person's advice too seriously. Ideally, asking advice should be like echolocation." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg speaks with Derek Sivers, an entrepreneur and thinker, exploring the power of perspective in shaping life's outcomes. They explore the concept of "useful, not true," emphasizing the flexibility and mindset required to break away from limiting narratives. Sivers shares personal insights on journaling as a tool for processing thoughts and decision-making, highlighting its role in enhancing clarity and agency. The conversation also touches on using AI for personal growth and the importance of understanding diverse worldviews to stretch and evolve one's thinking. Buy Derek's Book "Useful Not True" Visit Derek's Website Reach out to Derek Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3480: Derek Sivers shares insights on the power of relaxation, revealing how a calm mind leads to better decisions, creativity, and happiness. He also explores how small, consistent actions shape identity, emphasizing that who we become is determined by our daily choices rather than grand gestures. By embracing both concepts, we can cultivate a more intentional and fulfilling life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://sivers.org/relax & https://sivers.org/small-actions-changing-identity Quotes to ponder: "Relaxed is smart. Tense is dumb." "You don't change yourself by thinking. You change yourself by doing." "Your actions are votes for the kind of person you want to be." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices