Here’s a dynamic list of things and people that influence me.
- Rainn Wilson, that funny guy from The Office who played Dwight Schrute, is a pretty spiritual dude. Turns out he does a lot of work in the personal growth arena from hosting the podcast Metaphysical Milkshake to running a company trying to spread his gospel. In Soulboom, Rainn walks us through the ‘sameness’ among the biggest world religions. The best part is watching him build a new religion, Soulboom, from the best pieces of human history. It’s a great read. Your library probably has it.
- Website about autism, ASD, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. This is where you can find multiple self-tests of varying degrees of value. Note, I am not a professional. Remember, all models are wrong, but some are useful.
- One of my new favorite podcasts done by a group called ‘Resilience’ and part of the Post Carbon Institute. These guys are talking about important things. Climate change. Post growth economies. Ruralification. Very eye opening and informative with only a small dose of doomerism.
- I have never heard of an entity quite like PGI. Essentially, they are trying to plan a future without capitalism, with more equality, from a ‘non profit’ point of view. What if there were no profit and we spread wealth around equitably? You will not regret perusing their homepage for 15 minutes. You have never seen anything like PGI. I imagine a dystopia future where someone discovers old books or notes from PGI and learns how to build our new civilization the right way.
Vaclav Smil
- It feels almost embarrassing to read Vaclav Smil. He writes SO well and SO thorough about seemingly every topic. He must have written 20 books in the last decade or two. His “How the World Really Works” is a great place to start. And perhaps all you’ll ever need to read. Your library will have it.
The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens
- Nate’s work on Energy Blindness points out how we have ignored fossil fuels in our calculations of efficiency. His videos and podcasts will blow your mind and shine new light on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to go to solve our human problems. Seriously, subscribe to his podcast right now and watch the videos on his homepage.
https://www.rutgerbregman.com
- I cannot say enough good things about Rutger Bregman and his book, ‘Humankind: A Hopeful History‘ In this work Dr. Bregman explains, with painstaking example and researched support, how we have been brainwashed into believing humans are inherently evil. He walks us slowly through a swamp of evidence against this outdated theory and illustrates convincingly that we are truly born to be good.
https://www.tenpercent.com
- I love Dan Harris. Ever since I heard he had an anxiety attack on live television I knew he would be an interesting guy. 10% happier is his meditation app, but also check out his podcast (10% happier) and his book https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Fidgety-Skeptics-Happier-How/dp/0399588965/ref=asc_df_0399588965/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=317107580342&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15499423608220925338&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008763&hvtargid=pla-601990201813&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=66782713807&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=317107580342&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15499423608220925338&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008763&hvtargid=pla-601990201813
- Pat and Ali Schulte, and their two kids, are true adventurers. I would call them digital nomads, except most everything about them oozes analog – which is a big part of their appeal. They run a blog that features only words and pictures. They rarely live in a house. Look for them in an upcoming Are vs Should interview.
https://www.miguelruiz.com
- Don Miguel Ruiz is the author of ‘The Four Agreements’ and other books about Toltec wisdom. I’m into everything Toltec and you will find links to Ruiz’s books, similar works by his two sons, and many other Toltec elements on his website.
- Lynne Twist’s book “The Soul of Money” has blown my mind. In it she describes how she built successful non-profits and changed her attitude about money. The story that resonates the most with me is her work with Pachamama and assisting indigenous people with modern views of money. This book, and her work, will change your life.
https://practiceofselfmastery.co
- Neil Bjorklund is a somatic healer specializing in body awareness and examination of human complexity. Neil is helping me connect with the characters and parts that summarize my being. Working with Neil has illuminated my past and helped change my limiting beliefs .
www.jamesclear.com
- James is the author of ‘Atomic Habits’, a book that outlines an intuitive way to learn new habits and stop practicing bad ones.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0063HC7EQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
- One of my favorite books about Quality, psychology, and supposedly the best selling philosophy book of all time.
An overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610
- A good start to changing your behavior, thoughts, and old beliefs.
www.gonewiththewynns.com
- American nomads document their adventures in an rv then a sailboat. True adventurers and super well made.
https://youarenotsosmart.com
- Podcast by David McRaney. Well researched, pertinent topics for free thinkers. Very stimulating stuff.
https://www.philosophizethis.org
- Stephen West is simply amazing. Each podcast is an unbelievably understandable summary of a great philosopher, philosophical idea, or tome. If you ever wanted a ‘philosophy cliff’s notes’ this is the place.