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What if artificial intelligence isn't our biggest threat but our clearest reflection? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, entrepreneur and venture capitalist Jeff Burningham, author of “The Last Book Written by a Human,” joins host Cody McLain to explore how AI mirrors our own consciousness, habits, and hidden fears. Discover why chasing success can feel hollow, why wisdom instead of intelligence will define our future, and how we can become more human in the age of machines. ℹ️ About the Guest Jeff Burningham has spent his career investing in the future by launching businesses, backing entrepreneurs, and helping shape industries. But as artificial intelligence reshapes the world at unprecedented speed, he is asking a bigger question: What kind of future are we actually building? His journey has taken him from boardrooms to political campaigns, and from the highs of entrepreneurial success to the depths of personal transformation. As a former Bishop leading a congregation of over 500 people, Jeff brings the heart of a spiritual leader to every arena he enters, whether in business, politics, or family life as a devoted husband, father of four, and proud grandfather. His book, The Last Book Written by a Human, is a deeply personal exploration of the choices we face in the age of AI, as well as an invitation to embrace wisdom, connection, and real human evolution.  Built and invested in hundreds of tech companies Ran for Governor of Utah, challenging the political status quoExplored consciousness, transformation, and the limits of human potentialAdvocates for a new way forward in a world increasingly shaped by AIJeff isn’t here to predict the future. He’s here to help shape it. And he believes that work starts with all of us. WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions John Huntsman Jr. — Former Governor of Utah and U.S. AmbassadorSally Burningham — Jeff Burningham’s wife, mentioned in personal contextAlbert Einstein — Referenced for his quote about the universe being friendlyMother Teresa — Referenced as an example of an “anomaly” or exceptional human beingMahatma Gandhi — Referenced as an example of a moral and spiritual leaderJesus Christ — Referenced as a symbol of love, transformation, and spiritual guidanceEckhart Tolle — Author of A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose and The Power of Now Support the show

When life brought him to the edge of death, Anthony Abbagnano discovered something extraordinary — the hidden power of breath. From total physical collapse to becoming a global transformation leader, Anthony’s story reveals how conscious breathing can unlock healing, restore balance, and help us reconnect to who we truly are. As the founder of Alchemy of Breath and author of Outer Chaos, Inner Calm, he has inspired thousands around the world to overcome trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain through the simple act of mindful breathing. In this powerful episode, Anthony shares how one breath can shift your entire reality. Learn how breathwork rewires the nervous system, releases buried emotion, and creates calm within the chaos of modern life. ℹ️ About the Guest Anthony Abbagnano is a pioneering breathwork expert and founder of Alchemy of Breath, the world's top-rated breathwork institute. He has helped thousands transform their lives through free weekly Breathe The World sessions, Facilitator Training, and BreathCamp retreats at ASHA in Tuscany, Italy. Learn more at www.alchemyofbreath.com and buy Anthony's book at https://iam.alchemyofbreath.com/book-podcast. 🌐 Website: alchemyofbreath.com🌐 ASHA School (Alchemy School of Healing Arts): asha.global📸 Instagram: @alchemyofbreath📘 Facebook: Alchemy of Breath▶️ YouTube: Anthony Abbagnano💼 LinkedIn: Anthony Abbagnano👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Anthony Abbagnano – Founder of Alchemy of Breath and Alchemy School of Healing Arts (ASHA); author of Outer Chaos, Inner CalmCody McLain – Host of the Mind Hack Podcast; author of From Foster Care to Millionaire: A Young Entrepreneur’s Journey of Success, Failure, and TriumphDeepak Chopra – Spiritual teacher and author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of SuccessWim Hof – Creator of the Wim Hof Method; author of The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human PotentialJoseph Campbell – Mythologist and author of The Hero with a Thousand FacesPeter A. Levine – Psychologist and trauma expert; author of Waking the Tiger: Healing TraumaMarianne Williamson – Spiritual leader and author of A Return to LoveDr. Hale (Montreal) – Mentioned in relation to coherence breath and trauma healing (no verified public profile found)Support the show

Stop forcing your way through life when your dreams are literally trying to solve your biggest problems. Dr. Kelly Sullivan Walden, renowned dream expert and author of "Dream Manifesting," reveals the science behind accessing your subconscious power. Learn the Harvard-backed research showing how dream attention improves life navigation and decision-making confidence. Discover how dreams provide perspectives your logical mind would never consider, helping process trauma while revealing creative solutions. Master science-supported protocols including the 5-minute daily practice (1 minute pre-sleep intention setting, 5 minutes morning dream capture) and the JET SET dream interpretation formula. Learn techniques for identifying ego versus soul goals and transforming dream insights into real-world action. From Thomas Edison's light bulb breakthrough dream to Einstein's physics-shaping childhood vision, plus modern cases of dreams solving murders and guiding major life decisions. ℹ️ About the Guest Kelly Sullivan Walden is a certified clinical hypnotherapist and bestselling author known as "Doctor Dream." Her book Dreamifesting: Harnessing the Power of Your Dreams to Create the Life You Desire was released on September 30, 2025. She holds a masters and doctorate in ministry from The New Seminary in New York and is certified through the American Hypnosis Association. Kelly is an active member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams and her social media handle is @kellyswalden. Book launch bonus gifts are available for a limited time (with purchase of a book) at: www.Dreamifesting.com. WebsiteInstagram & Tiktok: @KellySWaldenFacebook: @KellySullivanWaldenDreamsLinkedIn👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Thomas Edison – inventor credited with the light bulbAlbert Einstein – physicist known for relativityRobert Haas – former IASD president and dream researcherTi Allen – publicist and “control your controllables” advocate Support the show

Ever feel stuck in the gap between a great idea and actually getting it done? Licensed psychologist and executive function coach Dr. Carey Heller joins us to reveal how to master your workflow by spotting executive dysfunction and installing the right systems.   Dr. Heller shares unique, actionable strategies, from using AI to break down overwhelming projects to leveraging physical movement for better focus and why the phrase "action precedes motivation" is the ultimate mindset shift. We also explore the importance of active recovery over passive rest and how to create lasting boundaries between your work and personal life.   This episode is a practical guide for turning your intentions into repeatable, lasting habits. ℹ️ About the Guest Dr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist and co-founder of Heller Psychology Group, based in Bethesda, Maryland, specializing in ADHD and executive function challenges in children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Heller also runs an executive functioning boot camp program and can see clients virtually in 42 states. Dr Heller really focuses on helping people to be more efficient, better organized, productive, and happier as well as less stressed. In addition to Dr. Heller’s work with his practice, he volunteers his time in a variety of ways. Specifically, he serves as the Montgomery County, MD CHADD chapter coordinator and is on the National CHADD board. He also supervises graduate students conducting testing at The George Washington University. Furthermore, Dr. Heller loves to write, has published a few books, and numerous articles, especially in Attention Magazine and Washington Parent Magazine. Websites:Heller Psychology Group  Dr. Carey Heller's personal site   Instagram:@hellerpsych  @CareyHellerPsyD  👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions David Allen  Getting Things Done (The GTD system) by David Allen HubermanTiago Forte  PARA method by Tiago ForteSupport the show

Stop fighting your anxiety. It's not the enemy. My guest, Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, explains the mind-bending truth that anxiety is a powerful evolutionary tool for focus and growth. She details the critical difference between a feeling of anxiety and a clinical disorder. We discuss how to develop 'anti-fragility' by embracing discomfort and leveraging it for personal progress. You'll learn science-backed frameworks, including the 'Three L's' (Listen, Leverage, Let Go) and a simple worry-scheduling technique to regain control of your emotions. This conversation will fundamentally change the way you view your emotions and provide actionable tools to transform your relationship with anxiety. Listen now to discover how to turn your biggest fear into your greatest tool. ℹ️ About the Guest Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary is a renowned neuroscientist, psychologist, and the co-founder of Arcade Therapeutics, a company that creates game-based mental health interventions. She is the author of the groundbreaking book Future Tense: Why Anxiety is Good for You (Even Though it Feels Bad), which argues for the radical idea that anxiety is a functional human emotion that can be leveraged as a tool for personal growth. In addition to her extensive research and publications, she is a sought-after expert for media commentary and public speaking. WebsiteLinkedInSubstackInstagram👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions David Goggins - Former Navy SEAL known for extreme physical and mental challengesViktor Frankl - Psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor who wrote "Man's Search for Meaning"Søren Kierkegaard - Danish philosopher who wrote extensively about anxietyWendell Berry - Author of "Life is a Miracle" and essayist on technology's impact on humanityTim Ferriss - Author of "The Four Hour Workweek" and lifestyle design pioneerChris Beavers - UT Austin researcher studying depression interventionsNassim Nicholas Taleb - Introduced concept of "anti-fragility"Charles Darwin - Evolutionary theorist who wrote about emotions in humans and animals Support the show

Ever wondered if your brain is fooling you into seeing the world differently? Dr. Daniel Yon, a cognitive neuroscientist, reveals how your brain doesn’t just observe reality—it actively creates it. Explore how your mind constructs its own version of reality through predictive models, and why you might be "hallucinating" your experiences without even knowing it. Dr. Yon dives into how we can reshape our mental models to thrive in a world full of uncertainty. Don’t miss out on this eye-opening conversation that will completely shift your perspective on perception, belief, and personal growth. Tune in to unlock the secrets your brain is hiding from you! ℹ️ About the Guest Dr. Daniel Yon is a cognitive neuroscientist and the author of A Trick of the Mind, a groundbreaking book that explores how our brains actively invent the reality we experience. His work sheds new light on how we perceive the world, challenging conventional views of perception. Dr. Yon is also the director of The Uncertainty Lab, where his team investigates how the brain handles uncertainty and adapts to an unpredictable world. InstagramX (formerly Twitter)BlueskyWebsite👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Dr. Emilie Caspar - Just Following Orders: Atrocities and the Brain Science of ObedienceStanley Milgram - Obedience to Authority: An Experimental ViewDaniel Kahneman - Thinking, Fast and SlowDouglas Prasher - Green Fluorescent Protein ResearchChris Frith - Making up the MindJim Rohn - Personal Development PhilosophyLewis Dartnell - OriginsCecilia Heyes - Cognitive Gadgets: The Cultural Evolution of ThinkingDaniel Z. Lieberman - The Molecule of MoreAdam Grant - Think AgainLisa Genova - Still AliceSupport the show

MindHack's Latest Code Drop: We unpack a groundbreaking approach to mental wellness with former software engineer and author, Brian Sachetta. Brian reveals how to 'debug' your mind, treating anxious thought loops and mental overwhelm like 'rogue software' that can be systematically reprogrammed.   Discover his powerful IRA framework: Interrupt, Reframe, Anchor, a concrete algorithm to halt anxiety spirals and transform stress into 'rocket fuel' for enhanced performance. Learn actionable strategies to optimize your mental operating system, tackle imposter syndrome, and cultivate profound resilience.   Tune in to engineer your calm and unlock a sharper, more focused mindset. ℹ️ About the Guest Brian Sachetta, the visionary former software engineer and founder of Get Out Of Your Head. Brian uniquely applies tech-inspired solutions to mental wellness, helping us debug our minds. His powerful books, including 'Get Out of Your Head: A Toolkit for Living with and Overcoming Anxiety' and 'Navigating the Abyss of Depression,' offer concrete strategies to reprogram anxious thought loops and cultivate profound resilience. Website  InstagramFacebook 👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Bessel van der Kolk - The Body Keeps ScoreGabor Maté - In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, The Myth of NormalMihaly Csikszentmihalyi - FlowTim Ferriss - Tools of TitansMartin E.P. Seligman - Learned Helplessness, Learned Optimism, FlourishLeo Tolstoy - War and Peace, Anna Karenina, A ConfessionRobert Frost - "The Road Not Taken"Jefferson Frisbee - University of West Virginia ResearchAndrew Huberman - Vagus Nerve ResearchSupport the show

Uncover the game-changing "Humanity Hack" for transformative leadership. Taylor Scott, a hospitality pioneer, reveals how cultivating psychological safety and deep emotional connection is the scientific blueprint for peak performance and a thriving workplace culture.   Learn how generosity inspires genuine connection, ignites motivation, and empowers your team to excel. We delve into practical strategies to foster a "learn-it-all" mindset and transform feedback from a dreaded monologue into an empowering dialogue. Discover the profound impact of humanness in leadership, drawing on insights like the "Rider and Elephant" metaphor and the "Three Cs of Compassionate Teams" (Choice, Competence, Community).   Tune in to master these principles and build a magnetic environment where everyone thrives. This episode is your essential guide to leading in the new era. ℹ️ About the Guest Taylor Scott, a visionary hospitality pioneer and bestselling author. You can find his transformative insights on Instagram at @TScott502 and on LinkedIn as Taylor Scott, Lead with Hospitality LLC. His latest book, Give Hospitality, offers a compelling story that reveals how a spirit of generosity can inspire genuine connection and transform any environment. Having shaped cultures at industry giants like Disney Parks, Taylor truly understands what it takes to lead with heart. Website: leadwithhospitality.com  Instagram: @tscott1502  LinkedIn: Taylor Scott, Lead with Hospitality LLC 👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Taylor Scott - Hospitality pioneer, bestselling author of Give Hospitality and Lead with Hospitality, and leadership expert. (leadwithhospitality.com)  Cody McLean - Host of the Mind Hack Podcast. (No specific personal link in research)  Chip and Dan Heath - Bestselling authors of Switch: How to Change When Change Is Hard and The Power of Moments: Why Some Moments Are More Extraordinary Than Others. (heathbrothers.com)  Jonathan Haidt - NYU psychologist and author of The Happiness Hypothesis, known for the "Rider and Elephant" metaphor. (jonathanhaidt.com)  John Maxwell - Renowned thought leader and author on leadership. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Maxwell)Maya Angelou - Acclaimed American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist, known for the quote "People don't remember what you say, they remember how you made them feel." (mayaangelou.com)  Satya Nadella - Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, credited with shifting its culture to a "learn-it-all" mindset. ((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satya_Nadella))Bill Gates - Co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist. (gatesfoundation.org)Steve Ballmer - Former CEO of Microsoft and owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. (ballmergroup.org/person/steve-ballmer/)Edward Deci and Richard Ryan - Psychologists who developed the Self-Determination Theory, focusing on autonomy, competence, and relatedness. (selfdeterminationtheory.org)  Support the show

The future of original thought is now. In an AI-driven world, how do you ensure your ideas remain uniquely yours? Dr. Sönke Ahrens, author of How to Take Smart Notes and creator of the accompanying online course How To Take Smart Notes with Obsidian, unveils the Zettelkasten method: a revolutionary "smart notes" strategy to AI-proof your brain.   Discover how this system acts as your personal dialogue partner, transforming how you learn, think, and write. Dr. Ahrens reveals actionable insights to conquer information overload, beat writer's block, and spark groundbreaking ideas. Learn to build a robust "scaffold of understanding" for peak cognitive performance. Don't miss this essential guide to mastering external thinking.  ℹ️ About the Guest Dr. Sönke Ahrens, a distinguished social scientist, educator, and author of the groundbreaking bestseller, How to Take Smart Notes. His book, which introduced the powerful Zettelkasten Method of Personal Knowledge Management to over 100,000 readers worldwide, fundamentally challenges traditional views on how individuals learn, think, and write, arguing that writing is not just a way to document thoughts, but the very act of thinking itself.  WebsitesTwitter (X)👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Niklas Luhmann (German social scientist, system theory thinker, Zettelkasten advocate)Benjamin Franklin (American polymath, writer, scientist, inventor, statesman)Ryan Holiday (Author, Stoicism popularizer, note-taking advocate)Robert Greene (Author of The 48 Laws of Power)David Perell (Digital writing and knowledge synthesis advocate)Tiago Forte (Productivity and personal knowledge management expert, creator of PARA method and Second Brain)Charlie Munger (Investor, businessman, philanthropist, advocate of "scaffold of mental models")Support the show

Discover the psychology behind entrepreneurial success with Dr. Corey Wilks, a clinical psychologist turned executive coach who transforms high-achieving entrepreneurs trapped in 'lucrative misery.' From growing up in rural Appalachia on food stamps to coaching VC-backed founders, Corey reveals why most entrepreneurs self-sabotage, how to break free from waiting for permission, and the revolutionary approach to conquering procrastination that has nothing to do with time management. ℹ️ About the Guest Dr. Corey Wilks, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and executive coach who helps entrepreneurs and creators overcome imposter syndrome, burnout, and self-sabotage. He earned his Doctor of Psychology from Marshall University and practiced therapy in rural Appalachia before shifting into coaching in 2020. In 2020, he founded Creator Alchemy, a community offering group coaching and resources for values-driven business growth. Outside of work, he enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Dungeons & Dragons, and life in Austin, Texas WebsiteNewsletter (Creator Alchemy)LinkedInTwitter (X)YouTubePsychology Today Profile👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Ali Abdaal (Entrepreneur, YouTuber, Author)Ryan Holiday (Author of The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy) Tim Ferriss (Author, The 4-Hour Workweek, The Tim Ferriss Show) Mark Manson (Author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*) Jordan B. Peterson (Psychologist, Author of 12 Rules for Life) MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) (YouTuber, Philanthropist)MKBHD (Marques Brownlee) (Tech Reviewer, YouTuber)  Gary Vaynerchuk (Chairman VaynerX, CEO VaynerMedia)David Goggins (Ultra-endurance Athlete, Author)Kevin Kelly (Senior Maverick, Wired; Author of The Inevitable)Chris Williamson (Host, Modern Wisdom Podcast) Pat Flynn (Host, Smart Passive Income)Paul Millerd (Host, The Pathless Path Podcast) Support the show

Is your quest for peak performance lost in a sea of biohacking fads and conflicting advice? In a world saturated with quick fixes and miracle cures, discerning genuine science from fleeting trends can feel like navigating a minefield. Many embark on their optimization journey armed with popular advice, only to find themselves investing time, energy, and resources into strategies that yield minimal returns or, worse, prove counterproductive. The allure of the "next big thing" often overshadows the foundational pillars of true health and vitality, leaving many feeling frustrated and no closer to their goals. Enter Dr. Neil Paulvin, a renowned physician specializing in human performance and longevity for high-achievers, from CEOs to elite athletes. In this eye-opening episode of MindHack, Dr. Paulvin joins us to dismantle the myths and cut through the noise. He provides a masterclass in true health optimization, revealing which popular biohacks stand up to scientific scrutiny and which are merely hype. If you're ready to move beyond the fads and build a resilient foundation for lasting peak performance, this conversation is your tactical blueprint. ℹ️ About the Guest Dr. Neil Paulvin is a leading physician in longevity and human performance. He works with CEOs, Fortune 500 executives, and professional athletes to help them achieve peak physical and mental output. Dr. Paulvin focuses on a comprehensive, science-backed approach, integrating foundational health principles with cutting-edge advanced therapies, always emphasizing personalized protocols based on in-depth biomarker analysis and individual goals.   Website: Dr. Neil Paulvin: Functional Medicine & Integrated Manual Theraphy in New York  Instagram: @drpaulvin  👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Dr. Peter Attia  Journal of Experimental Psychology  Dr. Rhonda Patrick (FoundMyFitness Podcast)  Wim Hof Method  Dave Asprey  Dr. Andrew Huberman  Bryan Johnson  Creatine  Fish Oil (EPA)  CoQ10  NAD/NR Precursors  Glutathione  Methylene Blue  Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)  GLP-1 Agonists (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide)  BPC-157, TB-500  GHK-Copper  Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)  Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis)  Function Health  Support the show

That voice in your head telling you you're not enough? It's not your enemy, it's part of your "Inner Crew" trying to protect you. In this mind-blowing episode, therapist Colleen West reveals why understanding your internal parts is the key to healing trauma and conquering anxiety. She breaks down the revolutionary Internal Family Systems approach that's taking the therapy world by storm. Discover why your anxiety exists, how childhood wounds still drive your adult decisions, and why that inner critic won't shut up. Plus, learn how to access your authentic "Self", the calm center that can finally bring peace to your mental battlefield. Cody shares his own journey using IFS to understand his workaholic tendencies, while Colleen explains how even pre-verbal trauma from infancy can be healed. Stop fighting yourself. Meet your Inner Crew and transform your relationship with every part of you that's been misunderstood. ℹ️ About the Guests Colleen West is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25 years of experience helping individuals heal from trauma. As an Internal Family Systems Clinical Consultant and former EMDR Approved Consultant, Colleen brings a depth of expertise in transformative healing approaches that go beyond traditional talk therapy. She is the author of "We All Have Parts: An Illustrated Guide to Healing Trauma With Internal Family Systems," which makes complex psychological concepts accessible through thoughtful illustrations, as well as "The IFS Flip Chart: A psychoeducational Tool for Unlocking the Multiple Mind". Drawing from her own journey of healing childhood wounds, Colleen specializes in pre-verbal trauma and has developed unique insights into how our earliest experiences shape our adult lives. Instagram: @colleenwestTwitter/X: @colleenwestFacebook: Parts Work: Trauma-Informed IFSWebsites: https://www.colleenwest.com/ and https://smarttherapytools.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colleenwestiTunesSpotifyDownload as MP3👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Colleen West - Our guest, LMFT, IFS Approved Consultant, and author.Richard Schwartz - Founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), mentioned as Colleen's mentor."We All Have Parts: An Illustrated Guide to Healing Trauma With Internal Family Systems" - Colleen West's book, providing a guide to IFS."No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model" - Support the show

Neuroscientist meets Trial Lawyer and what happens next will rewire your mind. Neuroscientist Josh Davis, PhD, and trial lawyer turned entrepreneur Greg Prosmushkin, authors of "The Difference That Makes The Difference," reveal powerful, easy to use Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to instantly shift your mindset for success. We dive into compelling stories of how NLP dramatically transformed Greg's courtroom confidence and Josh's ability to quickly shift emotional states. You'll discover practical NLP strategies including mental reframing, breaking negative thought loops, and mastering instantaneous rapport to improve your communication skills, overcome stress, and erase self-limiting beliefs. Listen now to learn how NLP can upgrade your thinking, elevate your performance, and unlock lasting, positive change across your work, relationships, and personal growth. ℹ️ About the Guests Joining us today are neuroscientist Josh Davis, PhD, and trial lawyer turned entrepreneur Greg Prosmushkin, co-authors of the groundbreaking new book, "The Difference That Makes The Difference." Together, they combine powerful neuroscience and real-world courtroom strategies to help you harness simple yet transformative Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques. A special shoutout to their innovative collaboration bridging science and practical insights to create meaningful positive change. LinkedIn - Josh Davis PhDInstagram -Two Awesome HoursInstagram - Greg ProsmushkinFacebook - The law office of Greg Prosmushkin Website - Philadelphia Personal Injury LawyeriTunesSpotifyDownload as MP3Get a copy of the book "The Difference that Makes the Difference" today. 👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Tony Robbins (Motivational speaker, NLP advocate)John Grinder (Co-founder of Neuro Linguistic Programming, NLP)Robert Cialdini (Author of "Influence")Books - "The Difference That Makes The Difference" by Josh Davis, PhD and Greg Prosmushkin” Support the show

The invisible prison holding you back isn't built with bars but beliefs. Most never realize they forged their own chains. Enter Jay Yang: while classmates played video games, he cold-emailed CEOs and landed career-making opportunities with Noah Kagan at 16. By 19, he commanded a six-figure business and 200,000 followers without permission slips from gatekeepers. This conversation cracks open the playbook others pray you never discover. Jay reveals his ingenious TAG method that turns untouchable mentors into allies, the exact 19-slide deck strategy that bypassed years of corporate climbing, and his "sawdust selling" technique that transforms your everyday actions into income streams. Behind every locked door of opportunity stands no guard but your own hesitation. Learn the four-step framework that propelled a teenager past professionals with decades of experience. This isn't inspiration. It's a tactical blueprint for those brave enough to simply try the handle. ℹ️ About the Guest Jay Yang believes you don’t need permission to create your own opportunities. At 16, he cold-emailed Tyler Denk, CEO of beehiiv, with a list of ideas on how he could help. That email turned into an internship where he built beehiiv 101—a course that has helped hundreds of users unlock the platform’s potential. At 17, he sent Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo, a 19-page pitch deck breaking down gaps in his social media and email marketing—and how to fix them. That landed him a role as Head of Content, where he led social media campaigns, including the one that made Million Dollar Weekend a New York Times bestseller. Today, Jay continues to help entrepreneurs scale their brands, grow their audiences, and market their products more effectively. In his latest book, You Can Just Do Things: The Power of Permissionless Action, Jay shares the stories and strategies that helped him take bold action, build momentum, and create his own career path from scratch. When he’s not working, he’s likely playing pickup basketball, lifting weights, or spending time with family and friends. Twitter (X): @jayyanginspiresInstagram: @jayyanginspiresLinkedIn: Jay YangWeekly Newsletter: The SparkiTunesSpotifyDownload as MP3👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Tyler Denk – CEO and co-founder of beehiiv; offered Jay Yang an internship after receiving a cold email from him at age 16 Noah Kagan – Founder of AppSumo; hired Yang as Head of Content after Yang pitched him with a 19-page deck; The pitch deck Jay used – Noah Kagan Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan – NYT bestselling book that Jay helped promote through strategic content campaigns  Charlie Munger – Investor and Warren Buffett's business partner; quo Support the show

You're stuck in life because you're navigating uncertainty without understanding the invisible geography of your mind. Tech design maverick Vicki Tan (Google, Spotify, Headspace) transforms decision-making with a powerful insight that revolutionized her career: most people struggle to make choices that lack self-coherence. They don't align with who they truly want to be. Discover how cognitive biases influence all aspects of your daily life, from perception of time to how you navigate life's most pressing questions. Through thought-provoking stories—including how her 125-pound dog taught her more about self-discovery than moving to NYC—Vicki maps the quiet ways we approach uncertainty. She reveals why changing jobs, cities, and relationships sometimes fails to deliver satisfaction, while explaining why well-intentioned advice from friends might not resonate with your unique mental shortcuts. From her interactive guide "Ask This Book a Question," learn the playful approach to decision-making that empowers you to understand yourself in a new way. This journey of self-discovery helps you view your questions in a different light, making you surprised by how clear your path forward becomes. ℹ️ About the Guest Vicki Tan is a San Francisco–based digital product designer and behavioral science expert whose work has shaped user experiences at leading tech companies. Currently a Staff Product Designer at Pinterest, she has previously held key design roles at Spotify, Headspace, Lyft, and Google. Her approach blends psychology and design to create meaningful products that help people find inspiration and build healthy habits. In April 2025, Vicki released her debut book, Ask This Book a Question: An Interactive Journey to Find Wisdom for Life's Big and Little Decisions. This innovative guide reimagines decision-making by encouraging readers to explore their questions through the lens of cognitive biases and storytelling. The book offers interactive visuals and prompts to help readers navigate choices with greater clarity and self-awareness.  Instagram - http://instagram.com/vickiheartLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickitan/Twitter - http://twitter.com/vickiheartBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/vickiheart.bsky.socialGet your copy of "Ask This Book a Question" today: https://vickitan.com/book 👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Vicki Tan - Product designer who worked at Google, Spotify, Headspace, and Pinterest; author of "Ask This Book a Question"Ask This Book a Question by Vicki Tan - Book about decision-making through questioning, available April 8, 2025Daniel Kahneman - Behavioral economist mentioned in relation to cognitive biasesAmos Tversky - Collaborated with Kahneman on cognitive bias researchThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - Book on behavioral economics and cognitive biasesViktor Frankl - Referenced regarding the space between stimulus and responseJames Clear - Author of "Atomic Habits" mentioned regarding tiny habits creating life shiftsAtomic Habits by James Clear - Book about building good habits and breSupport the show